Authors : T.S. Babalola , A.S. Fasina and Tunku Peter
Abstract: Relationship between slope position and soil properties was studied. Three profile pits were described at three topographic positions identified in the area, Upland (U1), Valley bottom (V) and upland (U2). Samples collected were analyzed for pH, Available phosphorus, Total Nitrogen, organic matter, Exchangeable cations, particle size distribution and percentage gravel. Trend of change and difference in soil properties down the profile depth and across the landscapes position was also studied using graphs. Soil reaction is acidic (3.8-5.8) with low to moderate available phosphorus (3.38-15.75 ppm) and low total nitrogen (0.07-0.16g kg 1). ECEC soil is on the average low (5.26-12.75 Cmol kg 1). The trend of change and difference in soil properties across the slope shows that soil properties differs at the three slope positions (U1, V, U2). The soils in the valley were fertile than the soils located in the upland. The study has thus further established the strong relationship between soil properties and slope position. The major pedogenic process observed to influenced the relationship between slope position and soil properties were mineral weathering, plinthization, erosion process, eluviation-illuviation of clay and oxidation-reduction process.
T.S. Babalola , A.S. Fasina and Tunku Peter , 2007. Relationship Between Soil Properties and Slope Position in a Humid Forest of South Western Nigeria. Agricultural Journal, 2: 370-374.