In the Guinea Savanna zone of Nigeria, agricultural productivity on Ferruginous tropical soils derived from crystalline Basement Complex rocks is severely constrained by the seasonal formation of an indurated subsurface iron hardpan. Which soil management strategy is most effective for mitigating surface runoff erosion and restoring soil physical structure in this environment?
- Deep subsoiling combined with contour bunding and cover croppingCevap
- BContinuous bush burning during the dry season to expose the hardpan to physical disintegration
- CCultivating rainforest tree crops like oil palm and cocoa to naturally dissolve the subsurface hardpan
- DFlooding the farm plots continuously to transform the hardpan layer into alluvial sediments
Cevap
Deep subsoiling combined with contour bunding and cover cropping is the most effective management strategy for Ferruginous tropical soils with subsurface iron hardpans.
The correct strategy uses deep subsoiling to mechanically rupture the rigid subsurface iron hardpan (plinthite), allowing rainwater penetration and deeper root growth. Pairing this with contour bunding retards runoff along savanna slopes, while cover crops prevent rain-impact crusting and replenish soil organic matter.
Adım Adım Çözüm
Anahtar Kavram
Ferruginous Tropical Soil Characteristics and Conservation in Nigeria