Impact of Deforestation on Soil Properties in Eastern Obolo Region of Akwa Ibom State: Implication for Regional Development Planning

Abstract

Deforestation has been a major environmental challenge affecting the resilience and distribution of forests across Niger Delta region. The study examined the impact of deforestation on soil properties in communities in Eastern Obolo region of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The population of the study consisted of thirty-six (36) communities out of which a sample size of five communities were randomly selected using the simple random sampling technique. The study adopted the experimental research design. The nature and source of data was through the primary and secondary sources. Soil samples were collected from five deforested communities: Okoroete, Kampa, Elile, Amadaka, and Okombokwo and a composite control collected from three (3) locations in Kampa, Amadaka, and Elile at a depth of 0-15cm and 15-30cm in an independent random sampling method using a soil auger. A total of six (6) soil samples were collected and analyzed with a standard method for physicochemical parameters and macronutrients. Data acquired from the laboratory was subjected to statistical analysis (T-test and ANOVA) including range, mean, standard deviation and variance. Results of the study indicated that there is a significant variation between deforested land and soil properties as there has been a decrease in fertility index and macro nutrients which degrade the soil properties. To reduce deforestation, the study recommended among others that government should reactivatve the use of other sources of energy such as kerosene, biogas, and electricity for domestic and industrial use to minimize the use of firewood; laws, policy, and legislative and regulatory measures, education, implementation and monitoring should be enforced in the region.