Influence of some tropical cover crops on soil structural properties and organic matter in Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of cultivated tropical cover crops on soil structure and organic matter. Four cover crops; Glycine max (Soybean), Vigna unguiculata (Cowpea), Colocythis citrillus (Melon) and Ipomoea batata (Sweet potato) were cultivated. Top soil samples were collected using core sampler and auger at 4, 8 and 12 weeks after planting. Interim changes in structural properties of the soil as well as organic matter of the cover crops treatment were measured and compared with the control plot without cover crops. Data collected were analysed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) of SPSS. Significant means were separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test at 5 % level of probability. The study revealed that cover crops reduced bulk density, but increases porosity by 33 %, water retention by 37 % and organic matter content by 42 %. The cover crops provided vegetative cover and consequently improved soil structural properties and organic matter content.