VEHICULAR TRAFFIC EFFECT ON AIR PERMEABILITY AND GROUNDNUT PRODUCTION IN A SEMI-ARID SANDY LOAM SOIL IN NORTH-EASTERN NIGERIA

摘要

The effect of vehicular traffic on the production of groundnut was investigated in a sandy loam soil of Borno State, Nigeria. A randomized complete block design with treatments of 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 passes of a tractor with 31.0KPa contact pressure was used. The gravimetric soil moisture content, soil dry bulk density, penetration resistance, and air permeability for each applied load were determined from the soil surface up to a depth of 20cm. Plant (haulms) and seed moisture. plant (haulms) and seed yield from each treatment were obtained. Results showed that soil dry bulk density and penetration resistance increased with increase in the number of tractor passes while air permeability decreased with increase in traffic intensity. Plant (haulms) and seed moisture increased with increase in the number of tractor passes, while plant (haulms) and seed yield per hectare increased with increase in the number of tractor passes up to 5 passes and thereafter, decreased with further increase in tractor passes. Leaf area index (m~2) increased with increase in the number of tractor passes up to 5 passes and thereafter, decreased with further increase in tractor passes. Statistical models were generated to predict the yield components of the crop in terms of tractor passes, contact pressure and some measured soil parameters. The implication of the study in achieving ways to increase groundnut productivity was discussed.