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Spatial Variability in Soil Chemical Properties under Dactyladenia barteri, Alchornea cordifolia, Senna siamea and Gmelina arborea Hedgerows on an Acid Ultisol

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 October 2008

B. A. Ruhigwa
Affiliation:
International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), PMB 5320, Ibadan, Nigeria
M. P. Gichuru
Affiliation:
International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), PMB 5320, Ibadan, Nigeria
N. M. Tariah
Affiliation:
Department of Crop/Soil Science and Forestry, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, PMB 5080, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
N. O. Isirimah
Affiliation:
Department of Crop/Soil Science and Forestry, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, PMB 5080, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
D. C. Douglas
Affiliation:
Department of Crop/Soil Science and Forestry, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, PMB 5080, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Summary

Spatial nutrient distribution was studied under a three-and-a-half-year-old fallow of Dactyladenia barteri, Alchornea cordifolia, Senna siamea and Gmelina arborea hedgerows grown on an acid Ultisol in southeastern Nigeria. The objectives were to evaluate the nutrient cycling capacity and suitability of the hedgerow species for alley cropping. No consistent patterns were observed in the lateral distribution of soil pH, total nitrogen, organic carbon, available phosphorus, exchangeable cations (potassium, calcium, magnesium and sodium), total acidity and effective cation exchange capacity in the 4 m wide alleys formed between the hedgerow species. Senna siamea and Gmelina arborea tended to increase soil organic carbon, calcium, magnesium and effective cation exchange capacity, particularly in the top 50 cm, compared with Alchornea cordifolia and Dactyladenia barteri, and can therefore be recommended for soil fertility regeneration on acid Ultisols during periods of fallow. However, they appear to be less suitable for alley cropping than Dactyladenia barteri because they are shallow rooting.

Propiedades químicas delo suelo bajo cuatro especies de seto vivo

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1993

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References

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