https://soilenvironment.com/index.php/OSSE <p><strong>Open Soil Science and Environment (OSSE)</strong> is an International Journal is an open access peer reviewed journal that covers the publication of all aspects of Environmental Sciences with firm determinations of description on the modern study achievements and developments. It delivers valued online platform by publishing Research article, Review article, Short communication, Rapid communication, Letter to Editor, Case-reports and analyses in all areas of Ecological Science. We aim to substitute interdisciplinary communication and promote understanding of substantial environmental issues. And our mission is to be the most consistent and expansive promoter for environmental science education and careers by promoting research in all areas of Environmental Sciences including waste management, pollution control, and remediation of hazards.</p> en-US osse.ressi@gmail.com (Ali Rahmat, Ph.D. ) osse.ressi@gmail.com (Ali Rahmat, Ph.D. ) Sat, 01 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700 OJS 3.3.0.13 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 60 https://soilenvironment.com/index.php/OSSE/article/view/26 <p><strong>ackground:</strong> Soil degradation is a major challenge to agricultural productivity, particularly in continuously cultivated landscapes.</p> <p><strong>Aims</strong>: 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.</p> <p><strong>Methods</strong>: A stratified random sampling approach was employed to collect 15 composite soil samples, which were analyzed for physical, chemical, and biological indicators of degradation.</p> <p><strong>Result:</strong> 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.</p> Adashu Tanko Gani, Yasin Agono Awwal Copyright (c) 2025 Adashu Tanko Gani, Yasin Agono Awwal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ https://soilenvironment.com/index.php/OSSE/article/view/26 Fri, 30 May 2025 00:00:00 +0700 https://soilenvironment.com/index.php/OSSE/article/view/33 <p><strong>Background:</strong> Soil fertility management plays a vital role in determining okra yield in Nigeria. The majority of soils in southeastern Nigeria are primarily classified as ultisols. These soils tend to be acidic and deficient in nutrients, resulting in declining crop yield over time. A field experiment was carried out during the 2021 and 2022 cropping seasons at the National Horticultural Research Institute's Mbato Okigwe Sub-station, situated within the rainforest zone of Nigeria.</p> <p><strong>Aims</strong>: The study aimed to assess the impact of different organic fertilizer sources on the sustainable cultivation of okra in southeastern Nigeria.</p> <p><strong>Methods</strong>: The experiment was organized in a randomized complete block design and replicated three times. The treatments included four sources of organic fertilizers (poultry manure, goat manure, cow dung, and wood ash) and a control (no soil amendment). Data on growth and yield were collected from the okra plants and analyzed using analysis of variance.</p> <p><strong>Result:</strong> The results indicated a significant improvement in both soil fertility and okra yield. Notably, the application of poultry manure resulted in the highest organic matter content at harvest: 2.79% and 2.81% in the 2021 and 2022 cropping seasons, respectively. The use of wood ash led to a significant increase in soil pH. The control treatment, which did not receive any organic amendments, recorded the lowest levels of organic matter content, total nitrogen, and exchangeable bases. Poultry manure treatment produced a substantial okra fruit yield of 7.86 and 7.84 t/ha in the 2021 and 2022 cropping seasons, respectively, compared to only 2.31 and 2.28 t/ha observed in the control treatment.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> Based on the study findings, the application of poultry manure was recommended to achieve higher okra yields. The study suggests that other organic fertilizer applications can be considered for sustainable soil management in southeastern Nigeria.</p> Helen Udoma Sampson, Angus Onwudiwe Ikeh, Janeth Oliver Orji, Uko Idem Uko, Diana Adaobi Okparaiheoma, Chiamaka Gloria Akuwueze, Nkechinyere Kate Anonaba, Juliana Nkiru Okamigbo Copyright (c) 2025 Helen Udoma Sampson, Angus Onwudiwe Ikeh, Janeth Oliver Orji, Uko Idem Uko, Diana Adaobi Okparaiheoma, Chiamaka Gloria Akuwueze, Nkechinyere Kate Anonaba, Juliana Nkiru Okamigbo https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ https://soilenvironment.com/index.php/OSSE/article/view/33 Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0700