Abstract

This study analysed soil properties in Otta Farm, Agbowa-Ikosi, Lagos state and their implications for agricultural productivity. Otta Farm covers 200 acres of farmland. After dividing the area into 50m x 50m grids, 20 farmlands were chosen randomly. From these selected farmlands, 200 soil samples were randomly collected and then taken to the laboratory for analysis. Findings revealed negative correlations between soil pH and various parameters like electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen (TN), organic matter (OM), and cation exchange capacity (CEC), highlighting the impact of soil acidity on nutrient availability. The study identified slightly acidic to neutral pH values across most sites, posing challenges for maintaining optimal soil conditions. Additionally, positive relationships were observed between EC and critical soil properties (OC, TN, OM, CEC). Agricultural practices, including organic compound additions and nutrient cycling, significantly influenced these relationships. Furthermore, the study highlighted nitrogen’s role in enhancing soil productivity through positive correlations with OC soil, OM, and CEC, indicating the importance of nitrogen inputs for carbon sequestration processes. The positive correlation between OM and CEC emphasized organic matter’s role in determining cation exchange capacity and nutrient availability. Furthermore, a negative correlation was observed between temperature and CEC during the wet season, indicating complex environmental influences on soil dynamics. Similarly, soil moisture showed negative correlations with key soil properties during the wet season, suggesting impacts on nutrient availability and soil structure. The study recommends long-term soil monitoring to track pH, EC, OC, TN, OM, and CEC fluctuations over time. Integrated practices like cover cropping and crop rotation can enhance soil health and fertility by mitigating degradation. Outreach programs are also vital for educating farmers and stakeholders on soil health and nutrient cycling in sustaining crop yield. By implementing these strategies, stakeholders can work towards enhancing soil quality and promoting sustainable land management practices that support long-term agricultural productivity.

Key Words: Soil Properties, Soil Health, Agricultural Productivity, Otta Farm