Assessment of Soil Physical and Geotechnical Properties Under Different Land Use Types in Ifite-Ogwari, Anambra State, Southeastern Nigeria
Authors
-
Nnabuihe, Emmanuel Chinweike
Department of Soil Science and Land Resources Management, Faculty of Agriculture, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria
- Dunu, Jude Uchenna Department of Soil Science and Land Resources Management, Faculty of Agriculture, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria
- Isi, Pretty Oyibo Department of Physics and Industrial Physics, Faculty of Physical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria
- Orizu, Gabriel Emeka Department of Physics and Industrial Physics, Faculty of Physical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria
- Nwokoye, Christian Uchenna Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria
Keywords:
Atterberg limits, geotechnical properties, Ifite-Ogwari, land-use types, soil physical propertiesAbstract
Objective: This study investigated the effects of different land-use types on selected physical and geotechnical properties of soils in the Faculty of Agriculture, Ifite-Ogwari, Anambra State, southeastern Nigeria. The aim was to assess how land-use practices influence soil quality for agricultural production and civil engineering applications.
Materials and Methods: Six representative soil profile pits were excavated under three land-use types: Mechanized Cleared Arable Land (MCAL), Ongoing Construction Sites (OGCS) and Fallow Land (FL). Soil samples were collected from the genetic horizons and analyzed using standard laboratory procedures. The measured properties included particle size distribution, Bulk Density (BD), Total Porosity (TP), Moisture Content (MC), saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat), Liquid Limit (LL), Plastic Limit (PL), Plasticity Index (PI) and Linear Shrinkage (LS). Descriptive statistics and coefficients of variation were used to evaluate variations among soil profiles and land-use types.
Results: Sand, clay and bulk density values ranged from 22.40 to 66.40%, 17.60 to 55.60% and 1.12-1.67 g cm–3, respectively. Total porosity and saturated hydraulic conductivity varied from 37-58% and 0.002-0.137 cm h–1, respectively. Disturbed land-use types, particularly OGCS and MCAL, exhibited higher bulk density, lower total porosity, lower hydraulic conductivity and increased plasticity and shrinkage characteristics compared with fallow land. The plasticity index ranged from 0.42-8.01%, indicating slight to moderate plasticity, while linear shrinkage ranged from 7.14-19.79%, reflecting slight to high shrinkage potential. Higher values of liquid limit, plasticity index and linear shrinkage were observed in clay-enriched horizons, indicating the influence of clay accumulation and compaction on soil consistency and engineering behavior.
Conclusion: Land-use intensity significantly altered the physical structure and geotechnical properties of the soils. Disturbed land uses increased compaction and reduced favorable soil physical conditions, thereby affecting both agricultural productivity and engineering performance. The adoption of minimal tillage, vegetative stabilization and controlled traffic practices is recommended to improve soil sustainability and maintain favorable physical and geotechnical conditions.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Nnabuihe, Emmanuel Chinweike, Dunu, Jude Uchenna, Isi, Pretty Oyibo, Orizu, Gabriel Emeka, Nwokoye, Christian Uchenna
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