Effects of shelterbelt on soil bulk density, particle density, total porosity and moisture contents in the dry northwestern Nigerian

Abstract

The effect of shelterbelt at measurement position (60,120 and 180) on bulk density, particle density, total porosity and moisture contents of semi-arid soils in the extreme part of northwestern, Nigeria was studied. The effect of shelterbelt on the three measurement positions was compared with the unsheltered area. Changes in field capacity (fc) between measurement position 60m and the open showed statistically higher values than the open soil, and there was no significant difference between 120 and 180m, 180m and open and 120 and open measurement positions respectively. Permanent wilting point (PWP) differed significantly between the open and the protected area and among the blocks in the sheltered area. There was significant difference between the open and the sheltered area especially within the immediate vicinity behind the shelterbelt. Bulk density and total porosity did not show any significant difference. The establishment of the effect of shelterbelt on the studied parameters is important for effective management of dry land soils.

Journal of Agriculture, Forestry and the Social Sciences Vol. 3 (2) 2005: pp.92-98