Evaluation of Phosphorus and Exchangeable Bases Status of Soil under Rubber Plantation of Different Ages in South-Eastern Nigeria
[1]
Ekaette Usenetim Ekukinam, Department of Geography, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
[2]
Anthony Inah Iwara, Department of Geography, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
[3]
Bayero Sule Gani, Dept. of Agricultural Economics, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
In this paper, the levels of available phosphorus (Av. P), exchangeable Ca, Mg, Na and K were evaluated under rubber plantation of different ages in Calabar, Cross River State. Soils were sampled under rubber plantations of 7, 16, 39 and 41 years. In each of the rubber plantation, five plots of 10m x 10m were established and surface soil samples (0-10cm) were randomly collected. Result showed that the contents of Av. P, Ca, Mg and K varied significantly among the rubber plantations. Av. P level in the rubber plantation soils declined substantially by 62.6 per cent with increasing age of rubber tree. The Av. P content under the 7-year rubber plantation (36.16 mg/kg) was rated very high, while the content under 41-year rubber plantation (13.52 mg/kg) was rated moderate. The levels of exchangeable Ca, Mg and K in the rubber soils declined with the age of rubber tree and were inadequate in comparison with some critical limits. The study called for proper management of soils under rubber plantation to reduce soil deterioration and maintain soil conditions for improved rubber production.
Rubber Plantation, Rubber Age, Available Phosphorus, Exchangeable Bases
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