THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOME ERODED SOILS OF SOUTHEASTERN NIGERIA

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Abstract
We studied the physical properties of some eroded soils of the rain forest and savanna zones of southeastern Nigeria. These soils were on slopes of 4 to 22 percent, and the degree of erosion varied from very slight to catastrophic. Texturally, the top soils were sand and loamy sand, and most profiles were uniform to considerable depths. Their total porosities ranged from 40 to 61 percent, macropores constituting 35 to 60 percent of these. Infiltration rates ranged from 10.1 to 357.1 centimeters per hour, and saturated hydraulic conductivities of the top layers ranged from 7.1 to 33.1 centimeters per hour. Water release curves showed considerable loss of water (41 to 67 percent) between 0 and 80 centimeters of water tension, in conformity with the textural and organic matter status of the soils. An erodibility rating curve showed the Onicha-Mbaise and Agulu soils to be most erodible and the Nsukka soils to be most stable. The implications of these findings for soil management practices and cropping systems are discussed.

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