To Evaluate the Effects of Land Degradation on Selected Flood Plains Around Wukari Area, Taraba State

Abstract

Land degradation is a major constraint to sustainable agricultural production, particularly in floodplain ecosystems that support intensive farming. This study evaluated the effects of physical land degradation on selected floodplains around Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria. Three floodplain locations (Gindin Dorowa, Newsite, and Tsokundi) were selected for field assessment and soil sampling. Soil samples were analyzed for selected physical properties, including particle size distribution, moisture content, bulk density, total porosity, and water-holding capacity using standard laboratory procedures. Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA), and treatment means were separated at the 5% probability level. The results revealed significant variations among the study locations. Location A was characterized by the highest sand content (61.84%) and the lowest bulk density (0.90 g cm⁻³), indicating greater susceptibility to erosion despite lower soil compaction. Location B recorded the highest bulk density (1.59 g cm⁻³), reflecting severe soil compaction and reduced structural quality resulting from intensive land use. Location C exhibited comparatively better soil structural conditions due to its higher clay content and moderate bulk density. The overall assessment indicated that Location B experienced the greatest degree of physical land degradation, while Location A was primarily vulnerable to erosion because of its coarse soil texture. The study demonstrates that soil physical properties are effective indicators for evaluating land degradation in floodplain environments and highlights the need for sustainable land management practices, including controlled grazing, reduced tillage, erosion control measures, and improved vegetation cover to minimize further degradation and sustain agricultural productivity.