Chemical Compositions of Soils in Parts of Edo State, Southwest Nigeria and their Relationship to Soil Productivity

Thirty eight (38) soil samples taken from locations accessible to the Benin - Oluku - Ifon - Uzebba - Afuze - Auchi - Ukpilla - Okene highway, covering a distance of approximately 185 kilometres and an area of about 12,000 square kilometers were subjected to chemical and mineralogical analyses with a view to determining the variability of their fertility status within the rainforest and savannah vegetational zones. Results show that the soils of the area consist predominantly of quartz, kaolinite, feldspar and sesquioxides of aluminium and iron, including goethite. They are generally acidic with very low cation retention and buffering capacities. Higher concentrations of the major oxides MgO, CaO and K2O were recorded in soils of the savannah zone while the soils of the rainforest zone are relatively deficient in these oxides. A chemical productivity index (CPI) of MgO + CaO + K2O/Al2O3 is proposed for the soils of the area of study

Comparative evaluation of geotechnical properties of red tropical soils and anthills from parts of Edo State for road construction

Geotechnical tests were carried out on a total of six samples of red tropical soils developed over sedimentary and Basement terrains, made up of three soils and three termite hills samples. The soil samples were subjected to geotechnical analyses which included the Particle size analysis, Specific Gravity, Atterberg Limits and Compaction Test to evaluate their suitability for road construction. The results from the analyses showed that soils were well graded(GW) with percentage fines ranging from 28.06 to 57.8%, Specific Gravity ranged from 2.40-2.60, Liquid Limit from 36-48.5% , Plastic Limit ranged from 19-30% , Plasticity Index 15-19% and California Bearing Ratio(unsoaked) from 11-24%. For the termite soils Liquid Limit varies from 26.5-33%, Plastic Limit 19-23%, Plasticity Index 10-12% and California Bearing Ratio 24-40%. The Compaction Test results showed that the Maximum Dry Density (MDD) ranged from 1.44 to 1.65%, 1.6-1.8% and Optimum Moisture Content from 16.3 to 23.8% and 12.5 to 17.8% for soils and termite hill respectively. From the results of the analyses and in accordance with the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, recommendations for road base, subbase and subgrade, both soils can be used for road construction as subgrade but the termite hill of Igarra indicate a better material because of its higher strength with higher MDD to low moisture content.Keywords: Red tropical soils, Geotechnical, termite hills, subgrade, suitability, constructio

Chemical Compositions of Soils in Parts of Edo State, Southwest Nigeria and their Relationship to Soil Productivity

Thirty eight (38) soil samples taken from locations accessible to the Benin - Oluku - Ifon - Uzebba - Afuze - Auchi - Ukpilla - Okene highway, covering a distance of approximately 185 kilometres and an area of about 12,000 square kilometers were subjected to chemical and mineralogical analyses with a view to determining the variability of their fertility status within the rainforest and savannah vegetational zones. Results show that the soils of the area consist predominantly of quartz, kaolinite, feldspar and sesquioxides of aluminium and iron, including goethite. They are generally acidic with very low cation retention and buffering capacities. Higher concentrations of the major oxides MgO, CaO and K2O were recorded in soils of the savannah zone while the soils of the rainforest zone are relatively deficient in these oxides. A chemical productivity index (CPI) of MgO + CaO + K2O/Al2O3 is proposed for the soils of the area of study

Chemical Compositions of Soils in Parts of Edo State, Southwest Nigeria and their Relationship to Soil Productivity

Thirty eight (38) soil samples taken from locations accessible to the Benin - Oluku - Ifon - Uzebba - Afuze - Auchi - Ukpilla - Okene highway, covering a distance of approximately 185 kilometres and an area of about 12,000 square kilometers were subjected to chemical and mineralogical analyses with a view to determining the variability of their fertility status within the rainforest and savannah vegetational zones. Results show that the soils of the area consist predominantly of quartz, kaolinite, feldspar and sesquioxides of aluminium and iron, including goethite. They are generally acidic with very low cation retention and buffering capacities. Higher concentrations of the major oxides MgO, CaO and K2O were recorded in soils of the savannah zone while the soils of the rainforest zone are relatively deficient in these oxides. A chemical productivity index (CPI) of MgO + CaO + K2O/Al2O3 is proposed for the soils of the area of study

Protected areas for environmental sustainability in Nigeria

This paper is focused on protected areas for environmental sustainability in Nigeria. It has examined what protected areas are the meaning, especially as defined by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). A thorough investigation was done to identify the areas that were and are still protected in Nigeria. In this regard we have identified some parks and other areas of special interests within our environment that may have been preserved for aesthetics and environmental sustainability. The historical background of protected areas in Nigeria was examined particularly in relation to the development drive and industrial growth. Attempt was then made to determine if the country has lost its bearings with regards to the role of cultural heritage and the natural environment. In this respect, comparisons were made between the modern cities/towns and the old ones in Nigeria. The role of the traditional knowledge in environmental sustainability was also examined. We then considered the status of protected areas and environmental sustainability. Finally we are suggesting guidelines for the next level which is the necessary steps urgently needed; that is “strategies for protected areas”©JASE