Physical properties of conventionally-tilled soils under two tuber cropping systems in South-Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

The physical attributes of soils under two tuber cropping systems in Awka-Etiti, Southeastern Nigeria was studied in 2009. It was a guided field study of soils samples. Three cropping sys-tems (treatments) were identified and 10 soil samples (replicates) were collected in each treat-ment at two depths (0-15cm, 15-30cm); and this was arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to estimate variability while least significant difference (LSD) was used at 5% level of probability to separate differences in means. Results showed significant (p=0.05) differences in particle size distribution, bulk den-sity, available water capacity (AWC) and saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat). Cassava–based cropping system showed greater macro aggregate instability at both depths. The AWC, clay and Ksat had significant (p=0.05) correlation with aggregate size less than 0.50mm while Ksat showed very significant (p=0.01) relationship with macro aggregate (4.75-2.00mm). There were high values of coefficient of alienation (1-R2) in predictors or dependent variables. There is the need to include more variables in future studies of these soils.