Light fraction of organic matter under different land management systems in a Nigerian derived savanna soil

Abstract

This study determined the influence of land management practices on the light fraction of soil organic matter in a derived savanna ecosystem. Soil samples were collected from Tectona grandis, Eucalyptus camadulensis, Musa paradisiaca plantations and the Natural forest in the Institute of Food Security, Environmental Resources and Agricultural Research (IFSERAR) farm, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria. Soil samples were collected randomly under each land practices at 0-10 cm and 10-15 cm depths. Microbial identification, total heterotrophic (THC), light fraction organic matter (LFOM) were determined. Data obtained were subjected to descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and correlation analysis, means were separated using Duncan Multiple range Test. Actinomycetes, Bacillus enterobacter, Staphylococcus, Flavobacterium, Escherichia coli, Serratia, Aspergillus niger, Fusarium spp, Penicillum spp and Aspergillus flavis were identified in the four land management practices. Significantly (P<0.05) highest THC was observed in the Musa paradisiaca plantation while Euclayptus had the least. Significantly (p<0.05) higher LFOM was observed in plantain and teak plantation. There was positive correlation between THC and LFOM. Conclusive, the study revealed that light fraction contents provide a sensitive and reasonably precise measure of organic matter indices. © 2013 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved.

Keywords: light fraction, organic matter, management system, derived savanna.