Abstract
The different features of soil greatly affect the flora and vegetative diversity of a forest. The physical and chemical characteristics of soils in Onigambari Forest Reserve were evaluated to assess the fertility and productivity status of the soils. Fifteen soil samples collected from different sample locations were analyzed for soil texture (sand, silt and clay), bulk density, porosity, pH, organic matter, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, exchangeable bases (Na, K, Ca and Mg) and available micronutrients (Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn). Texturally, the studied soils were loamy sand and sandy loam with percentage of sands (71.2-84.2 %), silts (7.4-10.4 %) and clay (6.4-19.4 %). The bulk density of the soils was 1.61-1.83 % while the porosity of the soils ranged from 35.2-44.1 %. The slightly acidic to neutral soil pH (5.90 - 6.60) and medium organic matter content (1.68 -2.60 %) suggest adequate level of soil nutrients. The soils had high total nitrogen (0.35 -0.65 %) and available phosphorus contents between 10.98 and 18.22mg/kg.
Highlights
The major ecological role of soils in forest and natural environment cannot be overemphasized
The study area is underlain by Basement Complex rocks of southwestern Nigeria
The study showed that soil texture is one of the most important factors influencing the physical and chemical properties of the soil
Summary
The major ecological role of soils in forest and natural environment cannot be overemphasized. Different characteristics of soil such as depth, consistency, temperature, nutrient contents, moisture content, permeability, porosity etc., can greatly influence the nature of vegetation that grows on them (Boyle and Powers, 2013). The physical, chemical and biological processes sustained by soil make it a dynamic zone, consisting of inorganic (rocks) and organic particles (plant and animals remains), liquid (water and chemicals in solution) and gaseous substances (Isah et al, 2014). The relationship between trees and soil is of importance since they are dependent on each other and on the environment as a whole (FAO, 2015). The support, nutrients and water needed by trees to grow is provided by soil; while trees and other plants are important factors in the formation and enrichment of soil (FAO, 2015). The gathering of nutrients by different tree species as well as their potential to return these nutrients into the soils can cause variations in soil properties (Rawat, 2005)
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