Effects of Soil Erosion and Degradation on Agricultural Lands in Anyigba, Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State

Abstract

Soil erosion and degradation has been a fundamental problem that has bedeviled the farming business of especially small-scale farmers across the world. This study was undertaken to examine the effects of soil erosion and degradation on agricultural lands in Anyigba, Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State. The study specific objectives were to: identify the soil erosion forms which have greatest impact on farmers; determine the major causes of soil erosion; measure/estimate the amount of soil loss through rill erosion and measure/estimate the amount of soil loss through gully erosion in the study area. The study was undertaken in four agrarian communities namely Ogane-Aji, Agwudoko, Anwoku and Ofejikpi. Semi-structured questionnaire was used to gather information on socio-economic activities. Field-based measurement of erosion forms and quantity of eroded soil were employed in the study. Soil erosion is reported to have adverse consequences on the living conditions of inhabitants. Different forms of erosion are noted to be common in the communities where the soil is already of low fertility. Results of the field study indicates an estimated amount of soil loss by rills to be 79.5 ha and gullies of 251.9 ha. Land clearing methods and continuous cultivation, excessive grazing, ploughing along steep slopes contribute greatly to soil erosion in the study area. About 90% of the respondents indicated deforestation and over-cultivation of croplands, as contributory factors to the cause of soil erosion and land degradation in the area. Low infiltration rates resulting from high rates of runoff from rainfall, the texture of the soil, little or no soil cover were observed to contribute to high rates of soil loss from erosion. Farmer education on the negative effects of soil erosion on farmlands is therefore recommended as a way of conserving soil nutrients.