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VOL. 7, ISSUE 3 (2025)
Effects of slope aspect on soil moisture classification and organic matter on beach ridge soil in Akwa Ibom state, Nigeria
Authors
Essien OA, Ibanga FI, Akata OR, Ibok, CJ
Abstract
Research was carried out to examine effect of
slope aspect on soil moisture classification and the distribution of organic
carbon in beach ridge soils in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The direction a slope
faces can significantly impact soil characteristics by exposure to sunlight,
temperature, and moisture levels. The findings indicate that NF slopes,
primarily composed of sandy soils, with high total sand content of 931 g/kg and
porosity of 0.50 m³/m³, also with a lower bulk density of average of 1.33
Mg/m³. Moisture classification results revealed that field water capacity recorded
mean value of 0.20, permanent wilting point of 0.08 and available water
capacity of 0.03. Conversely, SF slopes contain a high clay content of 58.50
g/kg, and increased compaction with bulk density of 1.44 Mg/m³. Moisture
classification result shows that field water capacity recorded mean value of
0.30, permanent wilting point of 0.15 and available water capacity of 0.04. The
result of chemical properties indicated that NF slopes recorded a high organic
matter content of 1.17% and a moderate acidic pH of 5.49, whereas SF slopes
recorded low organic matter content of 1.00% and acidic pH of 5.31.
Additionally, SF soils showed high effective cation exchange capacity of 12.43
cmol/kg and base saturation of 62.50 %, compared to NF slopes with 9.07 cmol/kg
and 44.05 %, respectively. These variations indicate that slope had significant
influence on moisture classification and organic matter dynamics. To improve
fertility on SF slopes, it is recommended to apply organic amendments to boost
organic matter content and enhance soil structure. These insights offer
practical suggestions for sustainable land use management and agricultural
productivity in beach ridge soils of Akwa Ibom state, Nigeria.
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Pages:4-11
How to cite this article:
Essien OA, Ibanga FI, Akata OR, Ibok, CJ "Effects of slope aspect on soil moisture classification and organic matter on beach ridge soil in Akwa Ibom state, Nigeria". International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Vol 7, Issue 3, 2025, Pages 4-11
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