Single Trees Litter Contribution to Soil Physiochemical Properties in Sudan Savanna Ecosystem, North-Western Nigeria

Abstract

Litter contribution of single trees to soil properties in Nigeria’s Sudan Savanna was investigated. The tree species are Sclerocarya birrea, Balanites aegyptiaca, Acacia nilotica, Azadirachta indica, Mangifera indica and Piliostigma reticulatum. Total of 54 soil samples were collected at 15 cm depth and 5, 10 and 15 m away from the tree’s trunks. Soil was analysed using standard laboratory procedures. Physical properties indicated high sand, low silt, clay and moisture which differed significantly (P 0.05) between tree species. Chemical properties indicated slight acidic pH in vicinity of the trees from 5.10 at 15 m under A. nilotica to 6.30 at 5 m and 15 m under S. birrea and A. indica. Organic carbon ranged from 0.04 cmolkg at 15 m under M. indica to 2.30 cmolkg at 5 m and 15 m under A. indica. Nitrogen (0.077 g/kg) and phosphorus (0.49 g/kg) were higher at 5 m under A. nilotica and low (N=0.003 g/kg; P=0.01 g/kg) at 15 m under B.aegyptiaca, which in turn had higher Ca++ (1.06 cmol/kg) than the other species. Higher Mg++ (0.85 cmol/kg) was obtained at 5 m under A. nilotica while higher K+ (1.08), Na+ (0.65) and CEC (6.80) (cmolkg) were obtained at 5 m under M. indica. The soil closer to trees generally had better nutrients and pH statuses and the soil under A. nilotica, A. indica, S. birrea, M. indica and B. aegyptiaca had better properties than under P. reticulatum.