In the heart of Nigeria’s Kwara State, a critical study led by Folasade Mary Owade from the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, is shedding light on the intricate relationship between land use and soil health. The research, published in the ‘ISPEC Journal of Agricultural Sciences’ (International Society for Pure and Applied Chemistry) delves into the impacts of different land use types on soil properties, offering insights that could reshape agricultural practices and energy sector dynamics.
The study, conducted in Asa and Moro Local Government Areas, focused on three primary land use types: maize-cassava intercrop, cashew plantation, and natural forest. The findings reveal a stark reality: most cultivated soils in the region are low in fertility, with alarmingly low carbon stocks. “The carbon sequestration status of land uses in the study area was very low,” Owade noted, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable land management practices.
The research uncovered that organic carbon, sodium, nitrogen, and phosphorus levels were consistently low across all land use types and local government areas. This deficiency is a red flag for the energy sector, as healthy soils are crucial for carbon sequestration, a process that mitigates climate change by capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide. The study’s findings suggest that continuous cropping and unsustainable farming practices may be exacerbating emission losses, further depleting soil fertility.
On a positive note, the study identified high levels of iron, manganese, and zinc, as well as variable levels of potassium and magnesium. However, these positives are overshadowed by the low fertility and carbon stocks, which could have significant commercial impacts. For instance, low soil fertility can lead to reduced crop yields, affecting the agricultural supply chain and, consequently, the energy sector, which relies on biomass for bioenergy production.
The research also highlighted the importance of bulk density, a measure of soil compaction, which varied from medium to high across different land use types. High bulk density can hinder root growth and water infiltration, further stressing the need for sustainable land management practices.
So, what does this mean for the future? The study’s recommendations, including composting, green manuring, and the use of organic fertilizers, could pave the way for more sustainable agricultural practices. By improving soil health, these practices could enhance carbon sequestration, benefiting both the agricultural and energy sectors. Moreover, the findings underscore the need for further research into sustainable land use practices, particularly in regions with similar soil properties.
As we grapple with climate change and the need for sustainable development, studies like Owade’s are more critical than ever. They remind us that the health of our soils is intrinsically linked to the health of our planet and our economies. By understanding and addressing the impacts of different land use types on soil properties, we can work towards a more sustainable future.