Assessing soil physical properties variability and their impact on vegetation using geospatial tools in Kebbi State, Nigeria

Abstract

Geospatial distribution of soil physical properties using Geographic Information System (GIS) is essential and efficient to site-specific farming and environmental management processes. This study attempts to evaluate the spatial distribution of soil physical properties and their impact on vegetation status in Kebbi State, Nigeria using the geospatial technique. A total of one hundred and fifty-six (156) soil samples were collected and analysed for soil organic matter (SOM), porosity, texture, Bulk Density (BD) and pH. The data were analyzed both statistically and geospatially to describe the spatial distribution of soil physical properties in the area. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was examined on Sentinel 2 satellite imagery. Results show the normal distribution for all parameters, except for soil texture and SOM indicating a positively skewed distribution. The spatial distribution of soil parameters results revealed the existence low to moderate spatial distribution. In comparison to the NDVI, soil properties significantly correlate with vegetation status of the area, except soil porosity which shows an inverse correlation. The study revealed that the use of geospatial technique accurately generates the spatial distribution maps of soil properties in the area and therefore, present a recommendable tool for sustainable land management and environmental management.