Assessment of carbon and nitrogen stock in soils of cassava and rice farms in the Derived Savanna of Anambra State, Southeastern Nigeria

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13697979

Keywords:

Carbon sequestration, Nitrogen retention dynamics, Organic matter distribution, Sustainable land management, Agricultural soil health

Abstract

The study assessed the carbon and nitrogen stocks in the soil solum of cassava and rice farms in the derived savanna of Anambra state southeast Nigeria. Soil samples were collected from two depths (0 -15 cm and 15 – 30 cm), at two land utilization types, and two locations, using random sampling techniques. Particle size distribution, bulk density, organic carbon, total nitrogen, pH, and soil structural stability index were analysed. The results indicated significant variations in soil properties and carbon-nitrogen stocks between land utilization types and depths. Rice fields demonstrated higher organic carbon (up to 4.72 C. Mgha-1) and nitrogen stocks (up to 0.41 N. Mgha-1) compared to cassava fields (up to 3.27 C. Mgh-1) and (up to 0.26 N. Mgha-1). The study highlighted the influence of soil texture, bulk density, and pH on carbon and nitrogen distribution. These findings emphasize the importance of adopting sustainable agricultural practices to enhance soil health, improve crop yields, and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. The research provides a crucial baseline for further studies and informs soil management strategies in the derived savanna ecosystem.

Author Biographies

  • Maduabuchi Johnbosco OKAFOR, Department of Soil Science and Land Resources Management Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria

    Lecturer/Researcher

  • Emmanuel Chibuikem NNABUIHE, Department of Soil Science and Land Resources Management Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria

    Lecturer/Researcher

  • Chike Onyeka MADUEKE, Department of Soil Science and Land Resources Management Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria

    Lecturer/Researcher

  • Thaddeus Nzubechukwu EGBOKA, Department of Soil Science and Technology. Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria

    Lecturer/Reseacher

  • Oluropo Ayotunde APALOWO, Department of Crop Science and Horticulture, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria

    Lecturer/Researcher

  • Chinelo Jennifer NWAIWU, Department of Soil Science and Land Resources Management Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria

    Researcher

  • Chidozie Iheanyi ERNEST, Department of Soil Science and Technology. Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria

    Researcher

  • Chukwuemeka Joseph EZEONU, Department of Soil Science and Land Resources Management Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria

    Researcher

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Published

2024-03-31

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Section

Articles

How to Cite

Assessment of carbon and nitrogen stock in soils of cassava and rice farms in the Derived Savanna of Anambra State, Southeastern Nigeria. (2024). Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Journal, 3(1), 14-23. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13697979

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