Soil management strategies for rubber cultivation in an undulating topography of Northern Cross River State

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the soil fertility status of an undulating topography of a young rubber plantation located at Ikot-Ukpora, Biase Local Government Area of Cross Rivers State and its implication for rubber cultivation. The result showed that the soils of the area ranged from loamy sand to sandy loam on the surface overlying a slightly heavier textured sub-soil ranging from sandy loam to sandy clay loam. Most areas of the soils studied have gravely layers less than 100 cm from the surface leading to a matured plantation in the area to adopt a survival mechanism of curly tap root geometry with preponderance of extensive lateral root system that compensates for the tap root. The soils were slightly acidic and low in most essential nutrients. Total N, P and ECEC were generally low. Fertilizer recommendations were made for the different stages of rubber growth while other management strategies were suggested aimed at reducing organic matter losses and minimizing soil erosion as well as control of termite infestation.   Key words: Rubber, soil fertility, soil properties, Nigeria.