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Effect of Different Cropping Systems on Soil Fungi and Nematodes in Obelle, Emohua Local Government Area

Ikechi, B. A., and Ene, D. U.

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of different cropping systems on soil physical and chemical properties, fungal diversity, and nematode populations in Obelle Community, Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. The study used 1 kg soil samples collected from cassava, oil palm, and plantain fields in a completely randomized design with three replicates per cropping system. Soil samples were analyzed for pH, organic carbon, organic matter, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, exchangeable potassium, and particle-size distribution using the procedures described in the project. Fungal populations were enumerated by serial dilution and culture on Potato Dextrose Agar, while nematodes were extracted using Baermann funnel and Cobb's sieving techniques and identified using morphological characteristics. The soils were loamy sand and strongly acidic, with pH values of 4.66–4.94. Oil palm and plantain soils had higher organic carbon and organic matter than cassava soil, while plantain soil recorded the highest available phosphorus (154.44 mg kg−1) and oil palm soil the highest exchangeable potassium (0.503 Cmol kg−1). Fungal analysis indicated the highest fungal count in cassava soil and the greatest fungal diversity in plantain soil, where Aspergillus, Mucor, Fusarium, and Penicillium were identified. Nematode analysis identified economically important plant-parasitic genera, including Radopholus, Tylenchorhynchus, Pratylenchus, Hemicycliophora, Helicotylenchus, and Xiphinema. The study indicates that cropping systems are associated with differences in soil fertility characteristics and the occurrence and diversity of soil fungi and nematodes. Organic matter management, crop rotation, liming, regular soil testing, and integrated nematode management are recommended for improved soil health.

Keywords

cropping systemssoil funginematodessoil fertilitymicrobial diversityObelleEmohua

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