The Nutrient Status of Soils Under Banana (Musa acuminate) Plantations of Varying Ages in South Western Cameroon

International Journal of Agriculture & Environmental Science

© 2021 by SSRG - IJAES Journal

Volume 8 Issue 2

Year of Publication : 2021

Authors : Usongo P. Ajonina

10.14445/23942568/IJAES-V8I2P102

How to Cite?

Usongo P. Ajonina, "The Nutrient Status of Soils Under Banana (Musa acuminate) Plantations of Varying Ages in South Western Cameroon," SSRG International Journal of Agriculture & Environmental Science, vol. 8,  no. 2, pp. 6-17, 2021. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23942568/IJAES-V8I2P102

Abstract:

Plantation agriculture is an important economic activity in Cameroon, yet their long-term impacts on the environment have not been adequately documented. The pattern of change of soil nutrient status under banana plantations aged between 7and 23 years of age were investigated. Soil samples collected from the banana plantations and the adjacent forestland were analyzed in the laboratory. Analysis of variance was used to determine the strength and nature of the relationship between the plantations and control. Soil properties. The study revealed a significant difference in K+, Mg2+, Na+, the sum of bases, and pH between the banana plantations and adjacent forestland, with the plantation having lower values. With the exception of total N and P, a significant difference was observed in all the other elements among the different plantation age series. The pattern of change over time under the banana, however, showed a rise at the age of 19 years and followed by a decline to the twenty-third year. In order to maintain the nutrient status of the soil beyond the ninetieth year, it is recommended that plantations can use organic manure as a mulch for banana plantation management.

Keywords:

Banana plantation, plant age, soil chemical properties, soil physical properties

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