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International Journal of Academic Research in Progressive Education and Development

Open Access Journal

ISSN: 2226-6348

An Edaphological Approach to Biodiversity Conservation in Ikwuano Local Government Area (LGA) of Abia State: Implication for Agro-Technology Transfer

G. O. Chukwu, G. E. Ifenkwe

Open access

A soil survey of Ikwuano Local Government Area in Abia State, Nigeria was conducted using a combination of Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) and Free Survey Techniques (FST) with a view to understanding the physical environment as a basis for biodiversity conservation. Four soil mapping units, namely, Ibe, Ibeobo, obolo and Ariolo were delineated based on toposequence and lithosequence. Mapping unit Ibe was found to be hydromorphic, clayey and derived from alluvium and shale. Mapping unit Ibeobo occupies dissected plains threatened by morpho erosion, while mapping unit Obolo occupies gently undulating plains. Ibeobo and Obolo are coarse loamy soils derived from coastal plains sands. Mapping unit Ariolo is a nearly level plain with sandy or coarse loamy soils derived from coastal plain sands and alluvium. Good land husbandry practices, fishery, rice-fish culture and sloping agricultural land technology are recommended on appropriate soil mapping units. The paper recommends dissemination of these technologies through effective extension services and on-farm research in order to increase biodiversity and enhance biodiversity conservation in Ikwuano Local Government Area.

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In-Text Citation: (Chukwu & Ifenkwe, 2012)
To Cite this Article: Chukwu, G. O., & Ifenkwe, G. E. (2012). An Edaphological Approach to Biodiversity Conservation in Ikwuano Local Government Area (LGA) of Abia State: Implication for Agro-Technology Transfer. International Journal of Academic Research in Progressive Education and Development, 1(4), 234–239.