COMPARATIVE SOIL PROPERTIES OF MAJOR FALLOW SPECIES FOR ROOT AND TUBER CROPS PRODUCTION IN OLOKORO UMUAHIA, SOUTH EASTERN NIGERIA

Abstract

A study was initiated in 2019 to examine the contributions of some selected indigenous multipurpose fallow species (MPTS): Monkey fruit (Dactyladenia barteri,), Velvet or black tamarind (Dialum guineense), and African rosewood (Anthonatha macarophylla) in selected four year fallow plots in Olokoro communities to soil chemical properties. A randomized complete block design was adopted for this study and replicated four times in four villages (Okwu, Amizi, Itu, and Agbama. Treatments consist of a collection of soil samples from 3 randomly selected four year fallow plots, each measuring 20m x 20m in the villages under study. A total of 12 fallow plots were sampled and later bulked to produce four (4) composite samples representing the four villages. The composite samples were presented for laboratory analysis. Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance. Results show that nutrient distribution across different locations varied significantly at (p < 0.01), higher values of calcium (Ca) and exchangeable acidity (EA) (2.80 and 4.57 Cmol/kg, respectively) were recorded in Amizi soil. A Higher value of exchangeable potassium (K) obtained the from Itu location (0.608 Cmol/kg) differed significantly from values obtained from other locations. Fallow species at different levels of probability influenced soil chemical properties, Differences in nutrient distribution for fallow species were observed in this order: Dactyladenia barteri > Dialum guineense >Anthonatha macarophylla in their distribution for exchangeable bases, exchange acidity, ECEC, available P, and total N, indicating positive contributions of multipurpose trees and shrubs in soil nutrient dynamics also suggesting that these MPTS will play important roles in new agroforestry technologies designed to replace the traditional bush fallow system and improve soil nutrient stability for increased roots and tuber crops production