Abstract:
The study investigated the effects of teak and acacia plantations on soil properties in a rainforest
ecosystem of Southern Nigeria. The study established ten 10m x 10m quadrats in each plantation
and the natural forest which was the control. Ten soil samples were gotten in each plantation
Laboratory analysis was done on particle size composition, porosity, water holding capacity, pH,
organic C, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Na, Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu, Mn, and Fe. Results showed that the
exchangeable acidity was very high in soils under acacia with mean value of 1.03 cmolkg-1. The
concentrations of Ca, Organic C and N were higher in soils under teak and acacia plantations
than the natural forest. Moreover, the exchangeable acidity was very high in soils under acacia
(1.03 cmolkg-1). The concentrations of Pb, Cd, Cu and Zn were higher in soils under plantation
than the natural forest. The study recommended that mulching of soil should be encouraged and
the periodic monitoring of the soil fertility status should be done as the plantations grow older. |
