Evaluation of soil physical properties under different land uses in semi-arid Nigeria

2026-01-08T17:15:04+01:00

Soil physical properties are vital indicators of soil health and land productivity, particularly in semi-arid regions where soil degradation is a critical concern. This study evaluated the influence of different land use systems such as grazing, orchard, and irrigation on soil physical properties at Koza Integrated Farms, Maiadua Local Government Area, Katsina State, Nigeria. The investigation focused on key parameters such as soil texture, bulk density (BD), particle density (PD), porosity, organic carbon (OC), pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and structural stability index (SSI). Composite soil samples were collected and analyzed using standard laboratory procedures. Descriptive statistics showed that soils in the area are predominantly sandy, with an average sand content of 91%, silt 6.8%, and clay 2.7%. Bulk density ranged from 1.34 to 1.94 g/cm³, with grazing lands recording the highest compaction. Porosity was inversely related to BD, averaging 38.6%, and EC ranged from 0.01 to 1.07 dS/m. The mean pH of 6.41 indicates a slightly acidic to neutral soil environment. Organic carbon was moderate, with a mean of 1.29%, while SSI values indicated moderate aggregate stability. Correlation analysis showed significant interdependence among parameters. Bulk density and porosity had a strong negative correlation, while clay content was positively correlated with SSI, confirming that finer particles improve structural stability. Grazing lands exhibited the most deteriorated soil properties, including high compaction and salinity, likely due to overgrazing and animal waste deposition. In contrast, orchard and irrigated lands displayed better physical conditions, attributed to organic inputs and less soil disturbance. The findings underscore the need for sustainable land use management to prevent further soil degradation. Practices such as rotational grazing, organic amendments, conservation tillage, and agroforestry were recommended to enhance soil structure and fertility. Monitoring soil health indicators and providing farmer training were also identified as essential components for effective soil conservation. This study contributes to the growing body of evidence on the impact of land use on soil health in semi-arid regions and provides practical, location-specific recommendations for improving soil quality. These interventions are crucial for sustaining agricultural productivity and mitigating land degradation under climate-sensitive conditions.

Keywords: Soil Physical Properties, Land uses, Irrigation, Grazing, Orchard, Semiarid agriculture, Katsina State, Nigeria

Biological Control: A Sustainable Strategy Against Invasive Citrus Snail

2026-01-08T16:44:54+01:00

Snails are polyphagous pests that cause damage to several crops worldwide. They feed on the leaves and fruits of this crop and transmit certain fungal diseases. The present study aims to elucidate the protective role of the biological control approach against invasive snails. Citriculture in Morocco, particularly in the Gharb region, faces several phytosanitary problems, including snails. Three species, Theba pisana, Helix aspersa, and Eobonia vermiculata, have been associated with citrus orchards in this region. The current practice to combat these pests predominantly rely on molluscicidal products containing active ingredients such as metaldehyde, abamectin, indoxacarb, chlorfluazuron, and spiromesifen. However, due to the negative effects of chemical control on the environment and non-target species, these products are not a sustainable primary strategy for managing snail invasions. Effective management of invasive snails requires an integrated pest management (IPM) approach, such as i) cultural methods like manual collection from the trunk and branches, ii) Physical control using barrier traps that can be optionally combined with mineral oil, or attractants, and iii) Biological control can be achieved through the use of parasitic nematodes or plant extracts. Promising biological agents such as essential oil extracted from Citrus limon zest, aqueous extract of thyme, as well as lupin extract nanoparticles coated with copper sulfate and starch, which have demonstrated 100% mortality and inhibited egg laying.

Keywords: Invasive Snails, Theba pisana, Eobonia vermiculata, Citrus orchards, Biological controls, Sustainable

Moroccan Journal of Agricultural Sciences

Evaluation of soil physical properties under different land uses in semi-arid Nigeria

Biological Control: A Sustainable Strategy Against Invasive Citrus Snail