Soil Degradation Assessment and Reclamation Strategies in Intensively Farmed Areas of Imo State

This study assesses soil degradation severity and evaluates reclamation strategies for intensively farmed landscapes in Imo State, South East Nigeria. Imo State has one of the highest farming population densities in Nigeria, creating intense pressure on soils from continuous cultivation, excessive tillage, nutrient mining, and accelerated erosion. Understanding the extent and severity of soil degradation and the effectiveness of reclamation interventions is essential for long-term agricultural sustainability in the state. This study combines a state-wide soil degradation mapping exercise using GIS analysis of satellite imagery, historical aerial photography, and field validation with controlled reclamation trials at six sites in Owerri, Orlu, and Okigwe zones. Soil degradation indicators assessed include organic carbon loss, compaction, erosion scars, and pH decline. Reclamation treatments evaluated include liming, green manuring, deep tillage with organic matter addition, agroforestry establishment, and combined rehabilitation packages. Soil quality recovery trajectories over two years are monitored. Findings reveal that 42 percent of Imo State's intensively farmed area shows moderate to severe degradation indicators. The combined rehabilitation package of liming, green manuring, and agroforestry tree establishment produces the fastest soil quality recovery, improving organic carbon by 0.8 percent in two years. Deep tillage alone shows marginal benefits. Economic analysis shows that reclamation investment is fully recovered within three seasons through yield improvement. The study recommends a state-led soil reclamation programme targeting the most severely degraded areas identified in the mapping exercise.

Keywords: soil degradation, reclamation, Imo State, soil quality, agroforestry.