QUANTIFICATION AND NUTRIENT LEVELS OF ERODED SOIL OF FARMLANDS IN NORTHERN GHANA

Abstract

The research was conducted as a case study in Dindo community of the Tolon/Kumbungu District in Northern Ghana during the 2010 rainy season. The study determined the volume of soil eroded and the nutrient levels of the eroded and non-eroded soils in both vegetated and non–vegetated areas of the farmlands. Catch pits of dimensions 0.60 m × 0.60 m × 0.18 m were constructed at the top and bottom of farmlands across runoff paths in the farmers’ field. Results on volume of soil eroded per rainfall indicated that erosion risk was high in non-vegetated fields. Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), organic carbon (OC), pH and organic matter (OM) content in the eroded and non-eroded areas showed significant difference in the content of NPK, OC, pH and OM content in the soil. Soil nutrients level of non-eroded sites was higher than eroded sites. The erosion and soil nutrient loss rates were found to increase with amount of rainfall over a period of time and the observed rainfall intensity.