Physicochemical Characteristics of Soil beneath Okoubaka aubrevillei in Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria
2025
Olayiwola, V.A. | Onilude, O.A.
This study investigates the soil characteristics of two transects under the Okoubaka tree, examining the effects of depth and transect on soil dynamics. This study compares soil characteristics across two transects (Transect 1 and Transect 2) at varying depths (0-15 cm and 15-30 cm), investigating the effects of depth on the dynamics of soil properties. The Levene's Test was applied to evaluate the variance in soil characteristics between the transects, revealing significant differences in the variances of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), sodium (Na), and phosphorus (P). In contrast, other soil characteristics displayed similar variance. A two-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) at a 95% confidence interval further examined the effects of various factors on soil characteristics, revealing significant mean separations for most measured variables. The results show that the pH, organic carbon, organic matter, and total nitrogen content remained consistent across both depths and transects. However, differences in micronutrient content were observed, with higher concentrations of manganese (Mn) and iron (Fe) found in the topsoil (0-15 cm). Significant differences were also observed in the exchangeable cation content, with varying levels of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and potassium (K) between treatments. The study found that Transect 1 had higher levels of organic carbon, organic matter, and phosphorus, while Transect 2 exhibited elevated levels of manganese and iron. These findings suggest that soil characteristics can vary considerably across different landscapes, underscoring the importance of adopting site-specific soil management strategies for effective forest management and ecosystem conservation. By understanding the soil dynamics under the Okoubaka tree, this study provides insights into maintaining soil fertility, supporting tree growth, and preserving ecosystem services.
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