Assessment of Soil Degradation and Resilience Index across Different Topographic Positions in Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria

Adashu Tanko Gani; Yasin Agono Awwal

doi:10.70110/osse.v3i1.26

Authors

Adashu Tanko Gani Federal University Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria
Yasin Agono Awwal Federal University Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7693-8471

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70110/osse.v3i1.26

Keywords:

Land Management, Organic Matter Depletion, PCA, Resilience Index, Soil Degradation, Topographic Positions, Wukari

Abstract

ackground: Soil degradation is a major challenge to agricultural productivity, particularly in continuously cultivated landscapes.

Aims: This study assesses soil degradation and resilience across upland, midland, and lowland topographic positions in Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria, using Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA), and weighted index assessments.

Methods: A stratified random sampling approach was employed to collect 15 composite soil samples, which were analyzed for physical, chemical, and biological indicators of degradation.

Result: Results revealed that organic matter depletion was the most severe degradation factor across all terrain positions, with the upland exhibiting the highest level of degradation. Soil permeability was also significantly degraded in the upland, likely due to higher sand content and lower microporosity. Nitrogen depletion and elevated Exchangeable Sodium Percentage (ESP) were observed across all positions, indicating widespread fertility decline. The weighted degradation index (WDI) classified all positions as moderately degraded, with the upland (WDI = 2.35) experiencing the highest degradation, followed by the midland (1.8) and lowland (1.75). The resilience index (ISR) indicated that upland soils had low resilience (ISR = 0.30), whereas midland and lowland soils were moderately resilient (0.36). To mitigate degradation, organic matter restoration, conservation tillage, and erosion control are recommended for uplands, while controlled irrigation and balanced fertilization should be prioritized for midland and lowland soils. Further research should explore long-term soil monitoring to assess the effectiveness of these strategies.

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Author Biographies

Adashu Tanko Gani, Federal University Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria

Department of Soil Science and Land Resources Management, Federal University Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria

Yasin Agono Awwal, Federal University Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria

Department of Soil Science and Land Resources Management, Federal University Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria

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