Determining Minimum Dataset from Soil Properties Associated with Three Forms of Land Use and Management in Southeastern Nigeria

This study was undertaken during 2009, 2010 and 2011 crop years to determine minimum dataset and soil properties impacting soil quality and productivity. 35 auger and core soil samples were collected from farms and analyses were done. Effects of management practices were sought. Data were analyzed using SAS and SPSS softwares. Results showed a significant change of soil pH (P < 0.005) and silt content (P < 0.007) when land was converted from forest to grazing land and annual crops cultivation. In grazing land CEC, Exch. Ca2+ and Mg2+, Bs % and SOC decreased, while total N increased. In annual cultivated land Ca2+ and Mg2+, BS and SOC decreased, while CEC, TN and Bulk density increased. Bad management practices contributed to soil degradation, while farmyard manure sustained SOC and Bd. Texture, soil pH, SOC and CEC were the minimum data set that cumulatively accounted for 83 % of the variation in component loading.