Evaluation of Soil Changes Resulting from Application of Vetiver

Ini D. Edem Senior Lecturer University of Uyo Summary: In order to meet the long-term objective of agricultural development a...

Ini D. Edem
Senior Lecturer
University of Uyo

Summary: In order to meet the long-term objective of agricultural development at the instance of high demand for land in an urban center, the importance of erosion control in relation to vetiver grass technology on acid sand soils of Uyo was adopted. The potentials of vetiver grass strips technology in improving the fertility status of eroded land after four years were classified into three suitability classes viz: Highly suitable, suitable and moderately suitable. The soils are suitable for arable crops but with varying degree of suitability that requires management practices. The soils of mapping unit-A (suitable) are highly acidic with low available water content and relatively low fertility. Their major fertility constraints include high bulk density, the sandy nature, and low potassium reserve. Mapping unit–B (highly suitable) are the main agricultural soils of the land area having sandy surface layer with high exchangeable bases, while soil of Mapping unit–C (moderately or conditionally suitable) are poorly drained and are good for short-season crops like vegetables during the short dry period of the year. From the study, the soil is fragile and sloppy, therefore, easily eroded (mapping unit-A) especially as the zone is in the high rainfall region. To improve soil fertility hence, optimum crop yield, vetiver grass strip of 10 m interval is recommended in addition to fertilizer application.

Working with a team of professionals, in breaking and exploring new grounds in soil-based studies thus, contributing towards the environmental and technological growth of the University, Nation and World at large. Obtained B.Agric. (Uyo); MSc. (Agronomy; Soil Science) and Ph.D. (Agronomy; Soil Physics and Conservation) from the University of Ibadan. First Appointed Graduate Assistant in Department of Soil Science and Land Resources Management, University of Uyo, in Nov. 2004 and now Senior Lecturer with over 20 peer-reviewed journals in Local and International Journals, Books and conference proceedings. Membership of 5 professional bodies and Consultant on Soil and Environmental based studies. Current Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Sustainable Agriculture, Pakistan. Editorial board member, Journal of Wetland and Biodiversity, Romania and also served as Reviewer for Elsevier Journal (Soil & Tillage Research), Netherlands, WebPub Journal of Agricultural Research, Journal of Agricultural and Crop Research. Married with lovely kids.

Research Article:Evaluation of Soil Changes Resulting from Application of Vetiver