Pedogenesis and Classification of Soils along a Toposequence at Omo Forest Reserve in the South-West, Nigeria
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Date
2020-12
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
LAUTECH Crop and Environmental Reviews
Abstract
Characterization of soil morphological, physical and chemical properties helps in delineation and management
of soils. This necessitates establishing the characteristics of Omo Forest Reserve soils as well as their classification.
The experimental site was delineated on a topographic map of Ijebu-East Local Government area of Ogun State
and a rigid-grid method of soil survey was used to establish the mapping unit. The profiles pits were described
using the guidelines of FAO (2006) and USDA Soil Survey manual and samples taken from identified horizons.
Laboratory analysis was carried out to determine some physical properties like Bulk density (1.12 -1.57 g/cm3 ),
saturated hydraulic conductivity (0.53-2.79cm3 /hr), total porosity, electrical conductivity (1 -3 ds/m) and chemical
properties as Particle size analysis was determined using the hydrometer method, Soil pH, soil organic carbon,
total Nitrogen, available Phosphorus, Exchangeable Ca, Mg, Na and K were also determined. The result showed
that the soils had high base saturation which ranges from 92.2- 98.64%, low CEC (3.15- 8.17cmol/kg), clay
content increased with depth, regular decrease in organic carbon (1.47 – 0.43%) with increase in depth was also
observed. Most of the Pedons clearly expressed Kandic horizon and Udic moisture regime. Therefore, all the
pedons were classified as order Alfisols. The soils were classified as Udalfs based on the prevailing moisture
regime at the suborder level and they all belong to Effon series.