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Effects of shifting and continuous cultivation of cassava (Manihot esculenta) intercropped with maize (Zea mays) on a forest alfisol in south-western Nigeria

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 March 2009

A. O. Aweto
Affiliation:
Department of Geography, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
O. Obe
Affiliation:
Department of Geography, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
O. O. Ayanniyi
Affiliation:
Department of Geography, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria

Summary

Soils in farmlands near Ibadan, Nigeria, where shifting or continuous cultivation of cassava intercropped with maize is practised, were sampled in February 1990 and their characteristics compared with those of similar, uncultivated, forest soil. Organic matter, total nitrogen, exchangeable calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium, cation exchange capacity and pH were lower in the cultivated soils. Continuous cultivation exerted a greater effect on soil organic matter, total nitrogen and available phosphorus status then did shifting cultivation. It is suggested that inorganic and organic fertilizers and mulch should be applied to cultivated soil to conserve the soil nutrients. Fallows of 3–6 years following 1–3 years of cropping appeared incapable alone of adequately restoring soil fertility. They should, therefore, be supplemented with fertilizer applications.

Type
Crops and Soils
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1992

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