Comparative Analysis on the Implications of Charcoal Production Processes on Soil Physico-Chemical Properties of Sudan Savanna Ecosystem, Bauchi Nigeria
Mohammed, I1., Adamu, M2. & Zailani, I.O1
1Environmental Management Technology Programme
AbubakarTafawa University Bauchi
2Forestry Department, College of Agriculture Bauchi, Bauchi State
Email: Isayankari68@gmail.com
Abstract
A comparative analysis on the implication of charcoal production processes on soil physico-chemical properties of a community forest in Sudan Savanna region of Bauchi state was carried out. Soil Samples from three randomly located points where charcoal were locally produced was analyzed and compared with a control site using purposeful sampling techniques. Soil structures, nutrient retention capacity as well as carbon contents of the soil was analyzed in addition to bulk density and soil physico-chemical analysis. The results revealed that the production site was more sand (82.8%), less silt (8.56%) and clay (8.64%) respectively while the control site has less sand (72.80%), high silt (14.56%) and clay (12.64%). The findings established more acidity in the production site than the control site with pH value of 6.30 and 6.72 respectively. Additionally the bulk density analysis result indicated lower value of 1.19Mg-3 and higher porosity of 55.10Mgm-3 with reddish black color soil in the production site while the control site has higher bulk density of 1.29Mg-3 and lower porosity of 51.10Mg-3 with reddish grey soil. The organic carbon content of the soil increased at the production site to 1.12% and decreased at the control site to 0.30%. Similarly, nitrogen and CEC decreases respectively at the production site with a value of 0.063Mgm-3 and 3.94 C mol(+) kg-1, in the same vain available Phosphate increases five times at the production site than the control site with a value of 34.80Mgk-1 and 6.39Mgk-1. However, there is a decreased of Exchangeable Base at the production site compared to the control site with a value of Ca (1.62 : 3.56 Cmol(+) kg-1), Mg (0.45 : 0.73 Cmol(+) kg-1), K (0.12 : 0.19 C mol(+) kg-1), Na (0.06 : 0.12 Cmol(+)kg-1 ). Additionally, an increase of micronutrients Fe and Mn (4.87 and 13.87 Mgkg-1) was established and a decreased of Cu and Zn (0.35 and 0.48 Mgkg-1) at the production site was also revealed. However, this paper established that in-situ-charcoal production has a serious negative impact on a natural ecosystem, soil chemistry and structure compared to the control site. Which ironically, reduce the soil vigor in supporting plant growth and development and further make it vulnerable to erosion. The paper recommended that appropriate poverty reduction policies should be put in place to provide alternative livelihood for the inhabitants of the community.
Keywords: Charcoal, Livelihood, Nutrient, Ecosystem and Inhabitant
