Spatial Variation in Some Physical Properties of Vertisols of Kerau in Guyuk area of Adamawa State

Abstract

This study assessed the spatial variation of some physical properties of vertisols of Kerau in Guyuk local government area of Adamawa State, Nigeria. The objective of this study was to examine the physical properties of vertisols and assess their micro-scale variation at the study site. Physical properties measured are %sand, silt and clay and available water capacity. Soil samples were collected at two depths of 0-15cm and 15-30cm with an auger. A total of 100 soil samples were collected and analyzed using standard analytical methods. Soil properties measured exhibited low coefficient of variability and strong spatial autocorrelations. The spherical and Gaussian models provided the best fit for soil properties of the study site at the scale of measurement. Kriged maps show no relations between surface depth distribution of properties and subsurface depths. Accordingly, Soil conservation measures that would improve soil structure are recommended for vertisols.

Keywords: vertisols, microscale, variation, semivariograms, kriging, kerau, range