The forces of change: defining the relevance of soil to the ecosystem of Kainji Lake National Park, Kainji Kwara

Abstract

Kainji Lake National Park covers a total area of 5.340.82sq.km and is composed of two non-contiguous sectors, the Borgu and Zagurma sectors. The study analysed the relevance of soil to the ecosystem of the Park. Eight (8) villages around the Zugurma sector were chosen based on their location and relevance to the Park and these were Shaffini, Tungan Maikade, Kulho, Mazakuka, Faje, Mule, Fatiko and Kizhi. Representative soil samples were obtained randomly from the villages in the dry season (October 2002 and January 2003) and wet season (July 2003 to August 2003). The physical and chemical properties of the soil were analysed using standardized methods. Results showed that in all the sites, the soil is slightly acidic to neutral (ph 6.2 – 7.4) and the acidity increases irregularly with depth.
The physical characteristics of the soil did not vary significantly (p > 0.05) between sites and season while the chemical components varied significantly (p <0.05) with sites. Although, the soil nutrient is low, but it maintains a well developed Savannah woodland which indicates that there must be an almost closed cycle of nutrients, following soil-tree-litter-soil.


Journal of Environmental Extension Vol. 6 2007: pp. 71-74