DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.4957591

Farming Practices, Soil Nutrient Condition and Crop Yield in Ihuo Community, Ahoada East Local Government Area, Rivers State

Deekor, T.N, Chukwu-Okeah, G.O and Barbar, T

Department of Geography and Environmental Management,

University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Corresponding author Email: giftchukwuokeah@yahoo.com

 Abstract: This study was designed to examine the traditional farming practice of slash and burn and soils in the Ihuo community in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State. To achieve this feet, issues of concern were raised to ascertain the prevalent farming practice in the area, determine the soil condition of slash and burn traditional farms in the area using soil physical parameters and macro-nutrients. Determine the soil conditions of an unfarmed forest in the area using soil physical parameters and macronutrients. The study further examined differences in the soil conditions of the slash and burned traditional farms and the untouched forest in the area and evaluated the people’s view of crop production using the slash and burn traditional farming practices over the years. The study found that slash and burn standard farming practice is a significant practice adopted by rural farmers for land preparation before planting. The study also showed that nutrient values and soil conditions vary between the burnt farmland and the untouched forest. Crop yield was found to be is affected by slash and burn traditional farming practices. The study recommended the discouragement of slash and burn conventional farming practices and the adoption of alley farming, and the need for enlightenment programs to enhance sustainable farming techniques at all levels to achieve food security.

Keywords: Farming practices, soil nutrient, crop yield, soil conditions, slash & burn.