Evaluation of Soil Quality under Date Palm Plantation for Climate Change and Food Security in Gombe State University, Gombe Nigeria

Abstract

Soil quality and fertility are of fundamental importance in sustainable agriculture and environmental management. This study aimed at evaluating soil quality under date palm plantation in Gombe State University. The study area was demarcated into two slope classes, upper and middle slope. Eight (8) composite samples were collected using a soil auger at a depth of 30 cm and analyze using standard methods. The result shows that sandy loam dominated the textural class. The pH for both slope class ranges from 6.18 - 6.40 were rated slightly acid. Organic carbon (3.5 – 7.2 gkg−1) was rated low, total nitrogen value of 1.05 - 1.75 gkg−1 was low to medium, available phosphorus value of 10.56 – 51.29 mgkg−1 were rated high. Soil carbon stock and percentage soil quality were 22.13 - 20.08 t C/ha and 60 - 53% for upper and middle slope respectively. Generally, t-test results indicate no significant difference between the two slope classes. The soils are moderate in quality and have higher potential to sequester more carbon under sustainable management practices.

Keywords

• date palm
• soil quality
• carbon sequestration
• climate change.