LAND USE AND BIOPHYSICAL PROPERTIES IN RELATION TO ELAEIS GUINEENSIS AND HEVEA BRASILIENSIS ESTABLISHMENT

Abstract

In the present study, a 65 hectare land located in Uvbe community in Orhionwon local Government area of Edo State was investigated for its suitability for either oil palm or rubber tree cultivation. Field investigation was conducted on the site and morphological characterization and vegetation was evaluated using the limitation method, following guidelines for rainfed agriculture for oil palm and rubber tree suitability assessment. Soil samples were also obtained and there physicochemical properties determined according to standard methods. The results obtained indicates that mean annual temperature in the area was 31 0 C While mean annual rainfall was 1700 mm. Soil morphological characterization showed that the entire area is flat and the soils sandy and well drained. There were no concretions or mottling. The soils are deep with rooting depth exceeding 120 cm. The physicochemical properties showed that the soil is acidic with mean pH of 4.5, mean Effective cation exchange capacity (ECEC) of 4.82 with calcium dominating the exchange sites. The soils were generally low to moderate in organic matter 0.88 %, Comparing the result obtained with the standard criteria for the cultivation of Elaies guineensis and Heavea brasiliensis, it was seen that the aggregate suitability class of the area was not suitable (N) for rubber cultivation and not suitable, but can be corrected (N1) for oil palm cultivation. The land area assessed in the present study is not suitable for rubber tree cultivation. If the area must be put to use for oil palm cultivation, it must be allowed to undergo long term fallow, in order to increase the organic matter build up in the soil through litter fall and other organic amendment.