EVALUATION OF CROPS POTENTIALS IN THE CONTROL OF SOIL EROSION IN SOUTHERN CROSS RIVER STATE, NIGERIA
Author(s): Egbai. O. O; Amah, J. E; Okang, A. O; Ajom, S. K
Institute(s): 1,2,3 Department of Environmental Management, University of Calabar, Calabar; 4 Department of Urban and Regional Planning, University of Calabar, Calabar
Volume 5 / Issue 2
Abstract
This study evaluated the potentials of various crops in the control of soil erosion in the Southern Cross River State with specific interest in Biase Local Government Area. The purpose was to ascertain the potential of crops in combating erosion perturbation in the tropical rain fed agro ecological region. Four (4) sites were purposively selected for establishment of various crops in distinct blocks on different slope gradients of 6.3%, 6.2%, 5.9% and 5.9% respectively. Each block carried four different crops, each occupying separate plot. Planting at recommended distances was carried out after land clearing and stumping were accomplished. Sediment boxes were established at the foot of each slope. Mean spillways of 2, 8, 16 and 21 were recorded for melon, groundnut, soya bean and maize. Grand mean of 32.6g, 30.9g, 23.6g, and 16.6g of soil loss from crops’ plots were recorded for maize, soya bean, groundnut and melon respectively. Result showed that spillways and soil loss (sediment yield) increased significantly in maize, soya bean, groundnut, and melon plots. Melon plots recorded the least amount of soil loss and least number of spillways of 16.6g and 2 spillways across the blocks, followed by groundnut with 23.6g and 8 spillways. The study recommends the use of melon and groundnut where mono-cropping is contemplated rather than maize and soya beans on slope range of 2% - 6.3% in the topical rain fed agro ecological environment.
Number of Pages: 10
Number of Words: 4893
First Page: 47
Last Page: 56