Topsoil Nutrient Dynamics Across Compound Farms at Slope Gradients in Nsukka, Nigeria

Abstract

Soil management is needed to improve soil fertility and crop productivity in compound farms, particularly in areas with varying slope gradients. Limited information is available related how slope gradients affect soil fertility in compound farms, particularly in tropical Africa. Understanding these dynamics can provide insights into improving nutrient management practices in traditional agricultural systems, where the dependence on external inputs is minimal. Soil nutrient dynamics within compound farms were evaluated at the compound farms of the upper slopes (CFUS) and lower slopes (CFLS) in the tropical environment of Nsukka, Nigeria. Soil samples were collected at 0–20 cm depth from both slope positions across 20 compound farms. Different key soil properties, including soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, exchangeable bases, and cation exchange capacity, were assessed to determine fertility gradients influenced by slope position. Soil fertility status was higher at the upper slopes as opposed to the lower slopes. The results did not follow the typical trend of soil nutrients being transported from the upper to the lower slope, probably due to anthropogenic activities such as buildings and road constructions. The result highlights the role of slope position in soil fertility management, supporting slope-specific soil management strategies in tropical farming systems.