A field study was carried out in Fadan Kagoma, Kaduna State to assess some erodibility indices on different agricultural land uses. Five plots made up of Yam, Beans, Groundnut, Ginger and Fallow were selected. 80 soil samples were collected in all at a depth of 0-22.5cm. 16 samples from each site, out of which 4 composite samples were generated and analyzed for pH, electric conductivity, particle size distribution, organic carbon, exchangeable acidity and bases (exch. Na, Ca, and K) using standard laboratory procedures. While the soil erodibility indices were derived from the results of data from laboratory. Analysis of Variance compared erodibility indices amongst and between agricultural land use types was carried out at α = 0.05 significance level. Result showed, Clay Ratio (CR), Modified Clay Ratio (MCR) and Critical Level of Soil Organic Matter concentration (St) did not significantly vary with the agricultural land uses. Results also showed mean values of 4.96% and 4.01% for critical level of soil organic matter content in Yam and Beans plots respectively, these results imply that there was loose soil structure and high susceptibility of the soils to erosion; the Fallow plot had an St value of 7.05% implying an unstable structure and erosion risk while the mean values of G/nut and Ginger implied stable structure and lesser susceptibility to erosion with 11.36% and 10.52% respectively. Soil erodibility indices further showed mean values of 7.58% for critical level of soil organic matter content, 11.48 for clay ratio and 9.41 for modified clay ratio. Communal tree planting, farming across the slopes, crop rotation and grass fallowing were among the recommendations proffered.
Keywords: Agricultural Landuse, Soil Erodibility, Soil Erodibility Indices
