AN ASSESSMENT OF THE COMPACTION SUSCEPTIBILITY OF FOREST SOIL IN OWO LOCAL GOVERNMENT; ONDO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study was aimed at characterising and assessing the compaction susceptibilities of forest soils in Owo Local Government of Ondo State Nigeria. It was conducted in the perenial plantation of the study area. Forty five (45) samples were collected from fifteen (15) sites. Many experiments were carried out in the laboratory to determine the moisture content, bulk densities, porosities, soil texture, chemical properties and soil compaction. Soil temperature was the only data directly measured or observed on the field. The study revealed that moisture content of soil in the Local Government varies from site to site. Emule forest soil has highest value of moisture content on average. Isuada and I1ale forest soil have the highest and the lowest soil temperature respectively. Bulk density derived from samples collected directly from the field were plotted against the soil depth which revealed some useful information. The compaction test results are useful in advising foresters on the risk of soil compaction under diverse water, regimes and soil conditions. The information presented in this study can be used as a guide on the relative importance of applied pressure and water content on the compaction process.