Influence of Land Use on Soil Organic Carbon and Microbial Biomass in Sokoto Area, Nigeria

Abstract

The influence of land use on soil organic carbon and microbial biomass distribution in some selected areas of Sokoto Nigeria was investigated. Four different types of land use were selected (irrigated area, permanent crop area, windbreak area and arable area). Four profile pits were excavated and described from each of the four different land use types. Soil samples were collected from each horizon for laboratory analysis and total microbial biomass determination by the use of Nutrient Agar. The results shows that variation exists in the soil organic carbon (SOC), pH, particle size distribution and microbial biomass from the different land use types. Irrigated area was found to have the highest soil organic carbon (30.17gkg"l) followed by permanent crop area (28.97gkg· I ). The bacteria population was found to be higher in the arable land area (1.2 x 10 8 cfu/g) followed by windbreak area (1.0 x 10 8 cfu/g). The pH of the soils ranged from very strongly acid (4.63) to moderately acid (6.05). The textures of the soils in all the four (4) land use areas were sandy and loamy sand. The study provides some baseline information regarding the causes of variation in soil organic carbon and microbial biomass from different land use types in this environment. However further research is required for in-depth understanding of the underlining processes that regulate soil microbial biomass and organic carbon variation as influenced by land use.