Spatial Variability of Soil Physical Properties of a Typical Fadama Farmland (Ayede Ogbese) in South Western, Nigeria

Abstract

Spatial variability of soil physical properties of Fadama land in Ayede-Ogbese, Ondo state, Nigeria was investigated to determine the suitable irrigation system for the agricultural land. Soil samples at varying depths 0 – 30, 30 – 60 and 60 – 90cm were collected and analyzed using standard methods and procedures. The coordinate of each of the points were obtained with GPS (Global Positioning System). The physical properties investigated include: textural class, bulk density, particle density and moisture content. Others were water holding capacity, total porosity, hydraulic conductivity and organic matter content. Results showed that the soil of the study area belongs to four different textural classes: sandy loam, clay loam, clay and sandy clay loam. The sandy clay loam was dominant with46% proportion of the prevalent soil textural class in the study area. The mean values for bulk density and moisture content across the depth of 0 – 90cm were (1.30 ± 0.1) g/cm3 and (17.4% ± 7.10) respectively. The mean values for Water Holding Capacity and the Hydraulic Conductivity were (26.2% ± 4.37) and (0.26cm/hr ± 0.13) respectively. The average mean values of soil parameters within the study area were within acceptable limit for optimum agricultural production (FAO/IIASA, 2008). Hence the soil physical properties obtainable at Ayede-Ogbese Fadama land are suitable for the design of sprinkler and drip as appropriate irrigation systems for the study area (FAO/IIASA, 2008).