Volume 9, Issue 5, May – 2024 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology

ISSN No:-2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/IJISRT24MAY1696

The Influence of Different Land Use Practices on

Specific Physical Characteristics of Soil in Gaya, a
Region within the Savanna Ecosystem in Nigeria
Abubakar Ibrahim Abdulkadir1; Sadiq Sani2; Kabiru Musa Abubakar 3; Om Prakash Gurjar4
1, 2, 3 & 4
Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, Mewar University, Gangrar- 312901, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, India.
Corresponding Author; Abubakar Ibrahim Abdulkadir

Abstract:- This study examines the impact of various land deteriorate due to factors such as intensive farming, leaching,
use types on specific physical properties of soil at the Kano and soil erosion (Kiflu and Beyene, 2013). A comprehensive
University of Science and Technology Research Farm in understanding of sustainable land use is essential for
Gaya, Gaya L.G.A., Kano State, Nigeria. The four agricultural operations (Takele et al., 2014). Recognizing soil's
agricultural land uses investigated are cropland, forest, long-term response to agricultural practices is vital for
grazing, and plantation land. Soil samples were randomly effective soil management that preserves soil quality (Duguma
collected from two depths (0-15 cm and 15-30 cm), with et al., 2010). High soil quality is the foundation of sustainable
five samples from each depth per land use type, resulting agricultural growth, as it is crucial for sustaining agriculture
in 40 samples. Bulk densities were measured using the core and enhancing crop output (Liu et al., 2010). Soil resources
method. The results indicated no significant effect (Fpr > have significantly contributed to food and fiber production and
0.05) of land use on bulk density and porosity. However, the maintenance of environmental quality at local, regional,
bulk density values exhibited an increasing trend: and global levels (Bore and Bedadi, 2015).
cropland (1.602 g/cm³) < forest land (1.667 g/cm³) <
plantation land (1.669 g/cm³) < grazing land (1.69 g/cm³). Anthropogenic activities have dramatically altered
Grazing land had the highest mean bulk density, while livelihoods over the past century by rapidly changing land-use
cropland had the lowest. At 0-15 cm depth, plantation land patterns (Liu et al., 2005a, 2005b; Hurtt et al., 2006; Liu and
had the highest mean bulk density (1.698 g/cm³), and Tian, 2010; Tian et al., 2014). Deforestation converts forest
cropland had the lowest (1.547 g/cm³). At a depth of 15-30 land (FL) into various land use (LU) systems, such as
cm, forest land had the highest mean bulk density (1.767 cultivated land (CL), grassland (GL), horticultural land (HL),
g/cm³), while plantation land had the lowest (1.641 g/cm³). plantation land (PL), and barren land (BL), at an annual rate of
Total porosity showed an increasing trend from grazing 13 million hectares (FAO, 2006). This conversion often leads
land (30.8%) to plantation land (33.6%), cropland to soil quality degradation, reducing soil productivity potential
(34.3%), and forest land (37.7%). Factors such as organic (Wei et al., 2014; Nath et al., 2018). International studies
matter content, aggregate size, and soil depth influenced report that intensive land use, uneven terrain, and changing
the bulk density and porosity characteristics. Overall, bulk climatic conditions combined with land-use changes (LUC)
density was higher than standard values, indicating lead to soil degradation (Palni et al., 1998; Abera and Wolde-
compaction: sandy soils were too compact, loamy soils Meskel, 2013; Kumar et al., 2017, 2021). These LUCs also
were very compact, and clay soils were highly compact. alter the system's carbon sequestration capacity (Abera and
Total porosity generally fell within the moderate range, Wolde-Meskel, 2013; De Blécourt et al., 2013; Guillaume et
and particle density was within the normal acceptable al., 2015; Fan et al., 2016; Iqbal and Tiwari, 2016). The
range of 2.65 g/cm³. transformation of FL into various LUs results in biodiversity
loss and reduced soil organic carbon (SOC) (De Blécourt et
Keywords:- Cropland, Grazing Land, Plantation Land, Forest al., 2013; Ahrends et al., 2015; Guillaume et al., 2015; Nath et
Land and Bulk density. al., 2018).

I. INTRODUCTION Evaluating the effects of LUC is crucial for developing

government policies and understanding the interrelationships
Land use encompasses the arrangements, actions, and between ecosystems, climate systems, and human activities
inputs individuals implement to produce, alter, or maintain a (Houghton and Hackler, 2003; Tian et al., 2003; Arora and
particular type of land cover (Ufot et al., 2016). Sustainable Boer, 2010). The United Nations Department of Economic
management of soil resources is crucial for successful and Social Affairs predicts that by 2025, India will surpass
agriculture because soil quality and quantity can rapidly China as the world's most populous country (Population

IJISRT24MAY1696 www.ijisrt.com 2290

Volume 9, Issue 5, May – 2024 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/IJISRT24MAY1696

Division, 2019). Between 1980 and 2020, India’s population sequestration. It is imperative to comprehend how different
grew from 200 million to 1.4 billion, significantly altering land uses impact the structure of soil and organic material to
land use (Tian et al., 2014; United Nations Population create land management strategies that alleviate the effects of
Division, 2020). In regions like central Ethiopia, with high climate change. The primary objective of this research is to
population density and heavy reliance on land resources, this methodically examine the impacts of various types of land use
population increase poses significant challenges. Such on the essential physical properties of soil to address this
pressures lead to soil degradation and impair the sustainability knowledge gap.
of soil resources (Yimer and Abdulkadir, 2011). Overgrazing,
deforestation, irregular and intense rainfall patterns, B. Justification for the Study
cultivation of steep soils, and poor soil conservation Investigating the "Impact of Various Land Use Practices
management are the main causes of land degradation in on Select Physical Properties of Soil in Gaya, Savanna
Ethiopia (Aytenew and Kibret, 2016). Additionally, land Region, Nigeria" is imperative for the advancement of
topography and cultivation methods significantly influence sustainable agricultural methodologies and ecological
soil quality and depth (Pavlu et al., 2007). conservation. The savanna region, which constitutes a
significant component of Nigeria's agricultural topography,
Therefore, addressing resource degradation, enhancing necessitates a comprehensive comprehension of the influence
agricultural productivity, reducing poverty, and achieving of diverse land use practices on soil physical attributes. This
food security are the main challenges facing tropical African comprehension is paramount for the amelioration of
nations (Qadir et al., 2014). Efforts should focus on the agricultural efficiency, preservation of environmental well-
sustainable use of natural resources to maintain the physical, being, and maintenance of sustainable land utilization.
biological, and socioeconomic environment necessary for the
production of food crops, livestock, timber, and other products The rationale behind this study is substantiated by a
(Adeyemo and Agele, 2010). Increasing populations and myriad of critical exigencies and advantages:
livestock numbers have intensified the expansion of grazing Addressing Soil Degradation: Improper land use
grounds and croplands, altering soil characteristics (Mustapha, techniques contribute to the ubiquitous dilemma of soil
2007). This has led to the conversion of forest lands into degradation, culminating in escalated erosion rates,
agricultural and grazing areas, driven by population growth diminished agricultural output, and depletion of soil fertility.
(Chemada et al., 2017). In Ethiopia, for instance, forest cover This investigation will expound on the repercussions of
has decreased from 40% to less than 3% due to rapid forestry, urbanization, agriculture, and grazing on soil physical
population growth, with the population nearly doubling every properties that are fundamental for soil vitality. Grasping these
26 years (MOFED, 2007). ramifications is essential for formulating measures to avert
soil degradation and safeguard agricultural territories.
A. Problem Statement
This research delves into a noteworthy research gap Enhancing Agricultural Productivity: The condition of
concerning the influence of different land management the soil plays a pivotal role in the productivity of agricultural
approaches on fundamental soil properties. Despite the activities. Alterations in soil physical characteristics, such as
extensive body of research in soil science and land utilization, bulk density, porosity, aggregate stability, and infiltration
there exists a scarcity of precise data on the effects of various rates, due to land use practices, have a direct influence on the
land uses such as forestry, agriculture, urban expansion, and quality and quantity of crops produced. This study aims to
grazing on soil attributes like bulk density, porosity, aggregate contribute to food security and sustainable agricultural
stability, and infiltration rate. It is widely acknowledged that development through a thorough examination of these effects,
intensive agricultural practices, deforestation, and urban offering guidance on improved land management strategies to
development are key contributors to soil deterioration, leading enhance soil conditions for agricultural purposes.
to heightened erosion rates, declining organic content, and
increased compaction. Nevertheless, the specific impacts of Optimizing Water Resource Management: The
individual land use categories on these transformations remain management of water resources is significantly impacted by
inadequately understood. land use practices, particularly in terms of water infiltration
and retention. Inadequate land management practices can
Changes in soil physical properties significantly result in decreased infiltration, heightened surface runoff, soil
influence the infiltration and retention of water, both of which erosion, and water scarcity. This research seeks to identify the
play a crucial role in agricultural productivity and the most effective land use approaches to mitigate the negative
management of water resources. Insufficient water infiltration, consequences of flooding, drought, and water contamination.
heightened surface runoff, and erosion resulting from
inappropriate land utilization worsen the challenges associated Mitigating the Impacts of Climate Change: Carbon
with water scarcity and quality. Furthermore, soil physical sequestration, a vital process in combating climate change, is
properties are essential for the processes of carbon heavily influenced by soil properties. The variation in land use

IJISRT24MAY1696 www.ijisrt.com 2291

Volume 9, Issue 5, May – 2024 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/IJISRT24MAY1696

types can affect soil organic carbon levels and the overall Furthermore, soil specimens were obtained through an auger
structure of soil. This investigation is designed to offer at the same depths and from identical land use categories,
insights into the ways different land use patterns impact soil thereby adding another collection of 40 samples. These
carbon dynamics, aiding in the formulation of land samples were meticulously stored in appropriately labelled
management strategies that promote carbon sequestration and polyethene bags, air-dried in shaded conditions, and
reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. subsequently ground using a pestle and mortar before being
sifted through a 2 mm mesh for laboratory scrutiny.
Conserving Ecosystem Services and Biodiversity: The
physical attributes of soil are crucial for nurturing plant  Collection of Soil Samples Using the Core Method
growth and providing a habitat for soil-dwelling organisms, The acquisition of soil samples was executed employing
which ultimately contribute to biodiversity above ground. core samplers, whereby metal cylinders were delicately
Analyzing the effects of diverse land use patterns on these soil inserted into the soil using a sharpened cutting edge without
properties will bolster conservation initiatives aimed at altering the core's height. Subsequently, the cylinder housing
preserving biodiversity, and fostering the resilience of the soil specimen was extracted and weighed while still moist.
ecosystems to withstand environmental fluctuations. Following the moisture weight recording, the sample
underwent a drying process in an oven at 105°C before being
The importance of this research is highlighted by its reweighed.
potential to enhance agricultural productivity, address climate
change, conserve biodiversity, manage water resources C. Laboratory Analysis
efficiently, and influence policymaking. Through the analysis
of the influence of diverse land use patterns on the physical  Bulk Density
characteristics of soil, this investigation will tackle crucial Bulk density measurements were conducted utilizing the
agricultural and environmental obstacles, enriching the core method as outlined by Anderson and Ingram (1993). The
enduring productivity and well-being of terrains. essential apparatus encompassed a metal ring, cylinder,
wooden block, hammer, and an oven. Before sampling, any
C. Aim and Objectives loose surface material was eliminated. In the case of
The principal aim of this research is to ascertain the subsurface layers, a pit was excavated to the desired depth.
impact of different land uses at the KUST Research Farm in The cylinder was carefully driven into the soil aided by a
Gaya on specific physical soil properties. The precise wooden block and hammer, ensuring minimal soil
objectives are: compaction. Upon core extraction, the soil was meticulously
 To evaluate the influence of various land management trimmed and weighed, with the soil weight alone determined
strategies (such as forest, agriculture, plantation, and by deducting the cylinder's weight. A segment of the soil was
grazing land) on soil physical properties. utilized for moisture content determination, enabling the
 To assess the impact of different land uses on soil subsequent calculation of the oven-dry weight. The calculation
compaction. of Bulk Density (BD) was computed according to specific
formulae.
II. MATERIALS AND METHODS
Wts
A. Description of the Study Area 𝐵𝐷 =
V
The investigation took place within the confines of the
Gaya Local Government Area situated in Kano State, Nigeria. Where:
This particular geographic region is entirely situated in the BD = Bulk density
Sudan Savannah, falling within the latitudes 11°N to 14°N and Wts = Weight of the oven-dried soil
longitudes 7°38'E to 8°38'E. An average annual precipitation V = Volume of the soil
of 773.4 mm characterizes the area, with the predominant soil
type being sandy loam, possessing a dark brown hue and a  Percentage Porosity
notable silt composition. The research site was segregated into Porosity represents the percentage of soil volume
distinct zones for land use management. occupied by pore spaces. It is critical for plant growth,
influencing aeration, permeability, drainage, and water
B. Method of Sampling retention. Total porosity was derived from the particle and
Samples of soil were gathered from four distinct bulk densities using the following formula:
categories of land use management: grazing land, plantation
land, cropland, and forested land. Within each sampling area, 𝐵𝑢𝑙𝑘 𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦
five representative samples were procured using core samplers % 𝑃𝑜𝑟𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦 = (1 − ) × 100
𝑃𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑙𝑒 𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦
at depths of 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm, resulting in a total of 40
core samples for the assessment of soil bulk density.

IJISRT24MAY1696 www.ijisrt.com 2292

Volume 9, Issue 5, May – 2024 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/IJISRT24MAY1696

 Particle Density SE (±) 0.0272

Particle density, also known as true density, is the weight Fpr 0.028
per unit volume of the soil solids and is typically around 2.65 Land use × Soil depth 0.01
g/cm³ in normal soils. It was determined using the pycnometer LSD *
method: Key: * = Significant at 5% level of probability (≤0.05), NS =
Not significant at 5% level of probability (>0.05), SE = Mean
𝑑𝑊 × 𝑊 standard error of mean and LSD = Level of significance
𝜌𝑝 =
𝑊1 − (𝑊2 − 𝑊3) difference……….

Where:  Interaction of Land Use and Sampling Depth on Soil Bulk

𝜌p = Particle density (g/cm³) Density
dW = Density of water at room temperature The impact of land utilization and sampling depth on soil
W1 = Weight of oven-dried soil bulk density resulted in a noteworthy distinction (Fpr<0.05) in
W2 = Weight of pycnometer + soil + water bulk density across various land uses and depths, as outlined
W3 = Weight of pycnometer + water in Table 1. More specifically, within the 0-15 cm depth range,
plantation land displayed the highest average bulk density
D. Statistical Analysis (1.698 g/cm³), followed by grazing land and forest land, with
The collected data were analyzed using analysis of cropland exhibiting the lowest average value (1.547 g/cm³).
variance (ANOVA) with Genstat 17th edition statistical On the contrary, within the 15-30 cm depth range, forest land
software. Treatment means were separated using Tukey’s 95% recorded the highest average bulk density (1.767 g/cm³),
confidence intervals (HSD) at a 5% probability level. followed by grazing land and cropland, while plantation land
demonstrated the lowest average value (1.641 g/cm³) (Table
III. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 2).

A. Effect of Land Use and Soil Depth on Soil Bulk Density Table 2: Interaction of Land Use and Sampling Depth on
The impacts of land utilization and soil profundity on Soil Bulk Density
bulk density within the research area are delineated in Table 1. Land use Bulk density (g/cm3)
The data in the table reveals that there was no notable (0-15cm) (15-30cm)
distinction in bulk density among the four categories of land Cropland 1.547b 1.657ab
utilization (Fpr > 0.05). Nevertheless, grazing land displayed Forest land 1.566b 1.767a
the highest average bulk density figure (1.69 g/cm³), followed Grazing land 1.692ab 1.688ab
by plantation land and forest land, while cropland exhibited Plantation land 1.698ab 1.641ab
the lowest mean value (1.602 g/cm³). SE (±) 0.0544
Key: * = Significant at 5% level of probability (≤0.05), NS =
Conversely, substantial variance in bulk density was Not significant at 5% level of probability (>0.05), SE = Mean
noted across various soil depths (Fpr < 0.05). The bulk density standard error of mean and LSD = Level of significance
peaked at the depth of 15-30 cm, with a mean of 1.689 g/cm³, difference……….
in contrast to the 0-15 cm depth, which had an average of
1.626 g/cm³. Furthermore, there existed a statistically  Impact of Land Use and Sampling Depth on Total Porosity
significant interplay between land utilization and soil depth and Particle Density in the Study Area
(Fpr < 0.05), suggesting that the impact of land utilization on The outcomes concerning the impact of land utilization
bulk density fluctuates with soil depth. and sampling depth on overall porosity and particle density
within the research area are displayed in Table 3. It was noted
Table 1: Effect of Land use and Soil Depth on Bulk density that there exists no notable distinction in overall porosity and
Treatment Bulk Density (g/cm3) particle density across the diverse land utilizations (Fpr >
Land use 0.05). Despite the absence of statistical significance, the
Cropland 1.602 forested land displayed the highest average overall porosity
Forest land 1.667 (37.7%), followed by cropland, plantation land, and grazing
Grazing land 1.690 land, which exhibited the lowest average overall porosity
Plantation land 1.669 (30.8%).
SE (±) 0.0385
Fpr 0.143 Likewise, the particle density reached its peak in forested
LSD NS land (2.708 g/cm³), succeeded by plantation land and grazing
Depth (cm) land, while cropland showcased the lowest mean particle
0-15 1.626 density (2.464 g/cm³). Nonetheless, these variances did not
15-30 1.689 attain statistical significance. Moreover, no significant

IJISRT24MAY1696 www.ijisrt.com 2293

Volume 9, Issue 5, May – 2024 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/IJISRT24MAY1696

interplay effects between land utilization and sampling depth density values surpassing 1.6 g/cm³ may hinder root expansion
on overall porosity and particle density were witnessed (Fpr > (McKenzie et al., 2004).
0.05).
 Interaction of Land Use by Sampling Depth on Soil Bulk
Table 3: Impact of Land Use and Sampling Depth on Total Density
Porosity and Particle Density in the Study Area Bulk density typically escalates with soil depth due to
Treatment Porosity (%) Particle Density diminished organic material content, reduced aggregation, and
(g/cm3) diminished root penetration in deeper layers, resulting in
Land use decreased pore space. Table 2 exhibits a notable contrast
Cropland 34.3 2.464 (Fpr<0.05) in bulk density across sampling depths and land
Forest land 37.7 2.708 uses. In cropland, bulk density surged from 1.547 g/cm³ at 0-
Grazing land 30.8 2.475 15 cm to 1.657 g/cm³ at 15-30 cm, indicating moderate to high
bulk density (Handreck and Black, 1984). This could be
Plantation land 33.6 2.558 attributed to management practices like manure application,
SE (±) 3.34 0.1381 tillage, and decomposition of crop residues.
Fpr 0.246 0.284
LSD NS NS Within forest land, bulk density escalated from 1.566
Depth (cm) g/cm³ at 0-15 cm to 1.767 g/cm³ at 15-30 cm, also reflecting a
0-15 33.0 2.452 moderate to high bulk density (Handreck and Black, 1984).
15-30 35.2 2.650 The absence of management practices likely contributed to
SE (±) 2.36 0.0977 this rise, which may impede root growth and penetration at
Fpr 0.368 0.052 deeper levels (McKenzie et al., 2004). In grazing land, bulk
Land use × Soil Depth NS NS density values were 1.692 g/cm³ at 0-15 cm and 1.688 g/cm³ at
Key: * = Significant at 5% level of probability (≤0.05), NS = 15-30 cm, indicating a high bulk density rating. The slight
Not significant at 5% level of probability (>0.05), SE = Mean reduction in bulk density with depth could be due to surface
standard error of mean and LSD = Level of significance compaction induced by animal trampling (Batey, 2009).
difference………. Plantation land displayed a decline in bulk density from 1.698
g/cm³ at 0-15 cm to 1.641 g/cm³ at 15-30 cm, possibly due to
B. Discussion deep-rooted plants ameliorating soil structure and porosity,
thereby reducing bulk density.
 Effect of Land Use on Soil Bulk Density
The outcomes delineated in Table 1 suggest that there  Effect of Land Use and Sampling Depth on Total Porosity
existed no statistically notable distinction (Fpr>0.05) in bulk and Particle Density
density among the four distinct land uses. The average figures Table 3 illustrates the impact of land utilization and
of bulk density varied from 1.602 g/cm³ to 1.69 g/cm³. As per sampling depth on total porosity and particle density. No
Handreck and Black (1984), bulk density values ranging from significant statistical contrast was observed in porosity and
1.6 to 1.8 g/cm³ are generally too dense for sandy soils, particle density among distinct land utilization types
exceedingly dense for loams, and extremely dense for clay (Fpr>0.05). Nonetheless, forested land displayed the highest
soils. Furthermore, Hunt and Gilkes (1992) affirm that bulk average porosity of 37.7% and the highest particle density of
densities between 1.6 and 1.9 g/cm³ are typically elevated. 2.708 g/cm³. This corresponds with FAO (2006), which
This implies that the soil in the research area displays a suggests that total porosity exceeding 40% is considered very
moderate level of compaction, as indicated by the marginally high. The recorded porosity values are marginally elevated,
higher bulk density values observed. yet not significantly distinct.

Despite the absence of statistical importance, grazing Cropland exhibited an average porosity of 34.3% and a
land demonstrated the highest mean bulk density value of 1.69 particle density of 2.464 g/cm³, indicating slightly improved
g/cm³, while cropland exhibited the lowest mean value of aggregate stability and soil conditions for crop cultivation,
1.602 g/cm³. This divergence could be ascribed to varied potentially attributable to intensive farming and diminished
management strategies impacting soil coverage, organic organic matter content. Plantation land showcased an average
material, soil composition, and porosity, including manure porosity of 33.6% and a particle density of 2.558 g/cm³,
application, tillage activities, and decomposition of crop conceivably due to reduced organic fertilization and limited
residues. Table 1 also reveals that bulk density generally rises soil management practices. Grazing land depicted the lowest
with soil depth. The average bulk density for the 0-15 cm porosity (30.8%) and a particle density of 2.474 g/cm³,
depth was 1.626 g/cm³, whereas, for the 15-30 cm depth, it possibly due to soil compaction from animal trampling (Batey,
stood at 1.689 g/cm³, in alignment with conclusions by 2009). On the whole, total porosity values across land types
NLWRA (2001) and Cresswell and Hamilton (2002). Bulk fall within a moderate ranking (Cresswell and Hamilton,

IJISRT24MAY1696 www.ijisrt.com 2294

Volume 9, Issue 5, May – 2024 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/IJISRT24MAY1696

2002), and particle densities lie within the accepted normal C. Recommendations
range of 2.65 g/cm³. Based on the findings, the following recommendations
are suggested:
IV. SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND  A sufficient amount of organic manure should be applied
RECOMMENDATION to improve soil organic matter (SOM), which would lower
bulk density values and increase porosity due to better
A. Summary aggregate formation.
The primary objective of this investigation was to assess  Management practices that increase soil compaction in the
the influence of diverse land uses on specific physical study area should be avoided.
characteristics of soil at the Research Farm of Kano University
of Science and Technology, situated in the Gaya Savanna REFERENCES
region of Kano State, Nigeria. The study area was segregated
into four distinct land uses: cropland, forested land, grazing [1]. Abera, G., and Wolde-Meskel, E. (2013). Soil Properties,
land, and plantation land. Five soil samples were collected at and Soil Organic Carbon Stocks of Tropical Andosol
each land use location at depths of 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm, under Different Land Uses. Open J. Soil Sci. 03, 153–
resulting in a total of ten samples per land use and forty 162. doi:10.4236/ojss.2013.33018.
samples overall. Soil samples were gathered utilizing the core [2]. Adeyemo, A.J., Agele, S.O., 2010. Effects of tillage and
method, involving the insertion of a metal cylinder into the manure application on soil physicochemical properties
soil, extraction, weighing, and subsequent drying in an oven at and yield of maize grown on a degraded intensively tilled
105°C. Bulk density was determined through the core method alfisol in southwestern Nigeria. Journal of Soil Science
(Anderson and Ingram, 1993), while porosity percentage and and Environmental Management 1(8): 205-216.
particle density were ascertained using the pycnometer [3]. Ahrends, A., Hollingsworth, P. M., Ziegler, A. D., Fox, J.
method. M., Chen, H., and Su, Y. (2015). Current Trends of
Rubber Plantation Expansion May Threaten Biodiversity
The amassed data underwent analysis through analysis of and Livelihoods. Glob. Environ. Change 34, 48–58.
variance (ANOVA) employing Genstat 17th edition statistical doi:10.1016/ j.gloenvcha.2015.06.002.
software. Treatment means were segregated utilizing Turkey's [4]. Anderson, J. M., & Ingram, J. S. I. (1993). A handbook
95% Confidence Intervals (HSD) at a 5% probability level. of methods. CAB International, Wallingford,
The outcomes revealed no notable effect (Fpr>0.05) of land Oxfordshire, 221, 62-65.
use on bulk density and porosity. Nevertheless, a significant [5]. Arora, V. K., and Boer, G. J. (2010). Uncertainties in the
interaction effect (Fpr<0.05) of land use by sampling depth on 20th Century Carbon Budget Associated with Land Use
soil bulk density was identified. This interaction revealed that Change. Glob. Chang. Biol. 16, 3327–3348.
cropland displayed the lowest mean bulk density value of doi:10.1111/j.1365-2486.2010.02202.x.
1.547 g/cm³ at a depth of 0-15 cm, while plantation land [6]. Aytenew, M., Kibret, K., 2016. Assessment of soil
exhibited the highest mean value of 1.698 g/cm³. At a depth of fertility status at Dawja watershed in Enebse Sar Midir
15-30 cm, plantation land recorded the lowest mean bulk district, Northwestern Ethiopia. International Journal of
density of 1.641 g/cm³, with forested land showing the highest Plant & Soil Science 11(2): 1-13.
mean value of 1.767 g/cm³. [7]. Batey, T., 2009. Soil compaction and soil mgt: a review.
Soil use management. 25,335345.
B. Conclusion [8]. Bore, G., Bedadi, B., 2015. Impacts of land use types on
The findings indicate that the bulk density of soil across selected soil physico-chemical properties of Loma
the different land uses in the study area was generally high. Woreda, Dawuro Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Science,
The bulk density followed an increasing trend from cropland < Technology and Arts Research Journal 4(4): 40-48.
forest land < plantation land < grazing land. According to [9]. Cresswell HP and Hamilton (2002) particle size Analysis.
Handreck and Black (1984) and Hunt and Gilkes (1992), bulk In: Soil Physical Measurement and Interpretation for
density values ranging from 1.6 to 1.9 g/cm³ are typically too Land Evaluation.
compact for sandy soils, very compact for loams, and highly [10]. de Blécourt, M., Brumme, R., Xu, J., Corre, M. D., and
compact for clay soils. The total porosity was generally below Veldkamp, E. (2013). Soil Carbon Stocks Decrease
the optimum level (<40%) as per the FAO (2006) rating and Following the Conversion of Secondary Forests to
fell under the moderate rating value according to Cresswell Rubber (Hevea Brasiliensis) Plantations. PLoS One 8,
and Hamilton (2002). The particle density was within the e69357. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0069357.
normal acceptable range of 2.65 g/cm³. [11]. Duguma, L.A., Hager, H., Sieghardt, M., 2010. Effects of
Land use types on soil chemical properties in smallholder
farmers of Central Highland Ethiopia. Ekológia
(Bratislava) 29(1): 1-14.

IJISRT24MAY1696 www.ijisrt.com 2295

Volume 9, Issue 5, May – 2024 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/IJISRT24MAY1696

[12]. Fan, S., Guan, F., Xu, X., Forrester, D., Ma, W., and [24]. Liu, J., Tian, H. Q., Liu, M., Zhuang, D., Melillo, J. M.,
Tang, X. (2016). Ecosystem Carbon Stock Loss after and Zhang, Z. (2005a). China’s Changing Landscape
Land Use Change in Subtropical Forests in China. during the 1990s: Large-Scale Land Transformations
Forests 7, 142. doi:10.3390/f7070142. Estimated with Satellite Data. Geophys. Res. Lett. 32,
[13]. FAO (2006). Available at: http://faostat.fao.org/ L02405. doi:10.1029/2004gl021649.
(Accessed September 24, 2020). [25]. Liu, X.L., He, Y.Q., Zhang, H.L., Schroder, J.K., Li,
[14]. Guillaume, T., Damris, M., and Kuzyakov, Y. (2015). C.L., Zhou, J., Zhang, Z.Y., 2010. Impact of land use and
Losses of Soil Carbon by Converting Tropical Forest to soil fertility on distributions of soil aggregate fractions
Plantations: Erosion and Decomposition Estimated by δ and some nutrients. Pedosphere 20(5): 666-673.
13 C. Glob. Change Biol. 21, 3548–3560. [26]. McKenzie NJ, Jacquier DJ, Isbell RF, Brown KL (2004)
doi:10.1111/gcb.12907. Australian Soils and Landscapes An Illustrated
[15]. Handreck KA, Black ND (1984). Growing media for compendium. CSIRO Publishing: Collingwood Victoria.
ornamental plants and turf. Kensington, NSW, Australia: [27]. Nath, A. J., Brahma, B., Sileshi, G. W., and Das, A. K.
New South Wales University- Press 401 p. (2018). Impact of Land Use Changes on the Storage of
[16]. Houghton, R. A., and Hackler, J. L. (2003). Sources and Soil Organic Carbon in Active and Recalcitrant Pools in
Sinks of Carbon from Land-Use Change in China. Glob. a Humid Tropical Region of India. Sci. Total Environ.
Biogeochem. Cycles 17 (2), 1034. doi:10.1029/ 624, 908–917. doi:10. 1016/j.scitotenv.2017.12.199.
2002gb001970. [28]. NLWRA (2001) Australian Agricultural Assessment
[17]. Hunt N and Gilkes R (1992) Farm Monitoring 2001, National Land and Water Resources Audit.
Handbook. The University of Western Australia: [29]. Palni, L. M. S., Maikuri, R. K., and Rao, K. S. (1998).
Nedlands, WA. “Conservation of the Himalayan Agroecosystem: Issues
[18]. Hurtt, G. C., Frolking, S., Fearon, M. G., MLong- and Priorities,” in Technical Paper-V in Eco Regional
termoore, B., Shevliakova, E., Malyshev, S., et al. Cooperation for Biodiversity Conservation in the
(2006). The Underpinnings of Land-Use History: Three Himalaya (New York: United Nation Development
Centuries of Global Gridded Land-Use Transitions, Programme), 253–290.
wood-harvest Activity, and Resulting Secondary Lands. [30]. Pavlů, L., Borůvka, L., Nikodem, A., Rohošková, M.,
Glob. Chang. Biol. 12 (7), 1208–1229. Penížek, V., 2007. Altitude and forest types effects on
doi:10.1111/j.1365-2486.2006.01150.x. soils in Jizera mountain regions. Soil and Water Research
[19]. Iqbal, S., and Tiwari, S. C. (2016). Soil Organic Carbon 2(2): 35-44.
Pool under Different Land Uses in Achanakmar [31]. Qadir, M., Quillérou, E., Nangia, V., Murtaza, G., Singh,
Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve of Chhattisgarh, India. M., Thomas, R.J., Drechsel, P., Noble, A.D., 2014.
Curr. Sci. 110, 771–773. Economics of salt-induced land degradation and
http://www.jstor.org/stable/24907957. restoration. Natural Resources Forum, A United Nations
[20]. Kiflu, A., Beyene, S., 2013. Effects of different land use Sustainable Development Journal 38(4): 282-295.
systems on selected soil properties in South Ethiopia. [32]. Takele, L., Chimdi, A., Abebaw, A., 2014. Dynamics of
Journal of Soil Science and Environment Management Soil fertility as influenced by different land use systems
4(5): 100-107. and soil depth in West Showa Zone, Gindeberet District,
[21]. Kumar, A., Padbhushan, R., Singh, Y. K., Kohli, A., and Ethiopia. Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries 3(6): 489-
Ghosh, M. (2021). Soil Organic Carbon under Various 494.
Land Uses in Alfisols of Eastern India. Indian J. Agril. [33]. Tian, H. Q. (2003). Regional Carbon Dynamics in
Sci. 91 (7), 975–979. Monsoon Asia and its Implications for the Global Carbon
[22]. Kumar, U., Shahid, M., Tripathi, R., Mohanty, S., Kumar, Cycle. Glob. Planet. Chang. 37 (3–4), 201–217.
A., Bhattacharyya, P., et al. (2017). Variation of doi:10.1016/s0921-8181(02)00205-9.
Functional Diversity of Soil Microbial Community in [34]. Tian, H., Banger, K., Bo, T., and DadhwalDadhwal, V. K.
Sub-Humid Tropical Rice-Rice Cropping System under B. (2014). History of Land Use in India during 1880-
Long-term Organic and Inorganic Fertilization. Ecol. 2010: Large-Scale Land Transformations Reconstructed
Indicators 73, 536–543. from Satellite Data and Historical Archives. Glob. Planet.
doi:10.1016/j.ecolind.2016.10.014. Change 121, 78–88.
[23]. Liu, J., Liu, M., Tian, H., Zhuang, D., Zhang, Z., Zhang, doi:10.1016/j.gloplacha.2014.07.005.
W., et al. (2005b). Spatial and Temporal Patterns of [35]. Ufot, U.O., Iren, O.B., Chikere Njoku, C.U., 2016.
China’s Cropland during 1990-2000: An Analysis Based Effects of land use on soil physical and chemical
on Landsat TM Data. Remote Sensing Environ. 98, 442– properties in Akokwa area of Imo State, Nigeria.
456. doi:10.1016/j.rse.2005.08.012. International Journal of Life Sciences Scientific Research
2(3): 273-278.

IJISRT24MAY1696 www.ijisrt.com 2296

Volume 9, Issue 5, May – 2024 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/IJISRT24MAY1696

[36]. United Nations Department of Economic and Social

Affairs: Population Division (UNDESA) (2019).
Available at: https://www.un.org/en/development/desa/
population/index.asp (Accessed June 27, 2020).
[37]. Wei, X., Shao, M., Gale, W., and Li, L. (2014). Global
Pattern of Soil Carbon Losses Due to the Conversion of
Forests to Agricultural Land. Sci. Rep. 4, 4062. doi:10.
1038/srep04062.
[38]. Yimer, F., Abdulkadir, A., 2011. The effect of cropland
fallowing on soil nutrient restoration in the Bale
Mountains, Ethiopia. Journal of Science and
Development 1(1): 43-51.
[39]. Yitaferu, B., Amare, T., & Selassie, Y.G. (2013). Effects
of soil and water conservation measures on soil fertility
and crop yield: The case of Anjeni watershed, northwest
Ethiopia. Journal of Agricultural Science and
Applications, 2(5), 157-163.

IJISRT24MAY1696 www.ijisrt.com 2297