IMPACT OF ANTHROPOGENIC ACTIVITIES ON SOIL QUALITY AND CROP PRODUCTION IN UKWA EAST, ABIA STATE

Abstract

The study examined the impacts of anthropogenic activities on soil quality and crop production in Ukwa-East Area of Abia State. It used field surveys and experiments and relied mostly on primary data generated through laboratory analysis of soil samples and 447 copies of questionnaire retrieved from 447 randomly selected farmers. The soil samples were collected at depths of 040cm from both cultivated and non-cultivated lands. Four research questions, four specific objectives and one hypothesis guided the study. Descriptive statistics was applied for the research questions while the hypothesis was tested using two- sample t-test at 0.05 significant levels. The main finding are: anthropogenic activities (timber harvesting, fuel wood collection, continuous cultivation) is causing changes (decline) in soil quality; and this is affecting crop production in the area. Ten communities were identified as the most prone to deforestation, intensive farming and soil erosion: (Akwete, Obunku, Ohambele, Umuogor, Abaki, Azumini, Akirika, Obohia, Mkporobe and Obanku). There is significant difference in soil macro-nutrients (NPK), moisture, TOC and TOM between the control site (nor-cultivated land) and experimental sites. Control sites: (sand 65.50%, silt 12.55%, clay 22.95%, N 42.34mg/kg, P 11.79 mg/kg, K 7.75 mg/kg, TOM 26.67, pH 5.6, TOC 34.21%, Temp 26.06oC, moisture 12.03%). Experimental sites mean values: (sand 76.98%, silt 13.38%, clay 8.28%, N 0.10 mg/kg, P 0.10 mg/kg, K 3.6 mg/kg, TOM 7.0, pH 4.6, TOC 5.96%, Temp 26.3oC, moisture 3.4%). The paper therefore recommended for well-coordinated enlightenment campaigns for the use of organic fertilizer and discouragement of acts of deforestation.