Study of Cattle Trampling and Its Effect on Soil Properties and Sorghum Productivity in Parts of Yobe State, Nigeria

This study was carried out at three different locations in Yobe State (North Eastern Nigeria), to determine the effect of cattle trampling on soil properties and sorghum productivity. The study locations were Potiskum, Nangere and Fika Local Government Areas of the state. Soil depth (25-30 cm height and diameter) were collected from each location and analyzed for particle size distribution, pH, organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorus and exchangeable cations as well as cation exchange capacity (CEC), bulk density (BD), total porosity (Pt) and saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat). Each sampling involved collection from cattle trampled and un-trampled areas with sorghum as the test crop. Effect of trampling on root mass, length and stover yields were also determined after sorghum cultivation in each of the location. Results indicated that there were significant effects of cattle trampling with respect to soil properties investigated. However, post planting results of the analysis revealed that trampled soils had significantly lower statistical values for all yield parameters of sorghum when compared with un-trampled soils in all the study locations. There is need to improve the structure of soils in all study locations through incorporation of organic matter and proper soil management for increased permeability, root penetration, aeration and water infiltration. Also, there is need for cattle routes demarcations to provide free movement of livestock across the locations without encroachment into farmlands.