EFFECT OF GROUNDNUT HAULMS ON SPLASH PRODUCED FROM COMPACTED AGRICULTURAL SOIL
Splash impact represents the first stage in the erosion process; Splash characteristics in relation to effect of groundnut haulms produced from compacted Agricultural soils were studied. Soil samples were collected at 20cm depth from Dusuman, Jere local government Area of Borno state, Nigeria. Particle size analysis showed 42.90% clay, 38.70% sand and 18.40% silt and classified as clay soil. The organic matter (om) was mixed into the soil samples at 4%, 6%, and 8%. Initial moisture content (mc) of the soil was raised from 1.21% to 2%, 4%, 6% and 8%. The soil was compacted to 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 blows. Bulk density and penetration resistance of the soil were obtained. The penetration was highest at 8% moisture content at 8% organic matter and 20 blows. Penetration resistance was minimum at 2% moisture content, 4% organic matter at 5 blows. The soil sample subjected to rainfall simulator was observed to show the rate at which the soil detachment was faster at shorter rainfall duration and decreased as rainfall duration increased indicating that the power of the falling raindrop reduces as the depth of ponding water increased. From the results obtained, detachment varied with the soil type and condition. Therefore, the problem of erosion on agricultural field can be reduced by increasing the groundnut haulm of the soil. It is recommended that similar work be carried out on other soil types and with different organic materials for better understanding of basic erosion process.
Authors : Grema, A. U. and Arku, A. Y.
Category : Volume (Issue) : 7(2) Date Uploaded : 26th February 2022