Bulk Density of Soils from Oil Palm Agroforestry Systems in Kogi East, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the bulk density and textural class of soils of selected oil palm agroforestry systems in Kogi East (Ankpa, Dekina, Ofu, Olamaboro and Omala local government areas- LGAs), Nigeria. Random soil sampling was used to collect a total of 100 core samples from the five LGAs (20 from each of the LGA). Soil bulk density was determined using core sampler technique. Data collected were analysed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) of GENSTAT Discovery Software. Significant means were separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test at 5 % level of probability. The results revealed that the soil bulk density of the oil palm agroforestry systems in Kogi East, Nigeria were within moderate range of 1.15-1.47 g/cm3. Most of the soils in the studied locations were observed to be sandy clay: Ofu and Olamaboro LGAs were sandy clay while Dekina, Ankpa, Omala were loamy sand, sand, and sandy loam respectively.