Physicochemical Properties of the Soils of Yankari Game Reserve and Environs: A Comparative Analysis

The study investigated the trend of changes occurring on the physical and chemical properties of the soil in Yankari Game Reserve and 2km around the reserve perimeter with the view to compare the impact of conservation on the soil properties. Soil samples from Yashi, Tonlong and Karyo range of the reserve were randomly collected from three selected sub - points along established transects at 2km and 4km inside and 2 km outside the reserve, using soil auger at a depth of 0 - 30cm and mixed up to produce one composite sample for each point. Sample obtained were analyzed using standard laboratory techniques. Data obtained was analyzed using one way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Soil textural classes for soils at the three sites 2km outside and 2km inside as well as the core area of the reserve were found to be sandy loam for 2km outside and loamy sand for 2km inside the reserve and the core area. Physicochemical analysis revealed that Sodium (1.75mg/100g) and total nitrogen (0.67%) were significantly higher (P less than 0.05) in the core area soils while zinc (0.40ppm) was significantly (P less than 0.05) higher in the 2km inside the reserve soil. Bulk density (3.48g/cm2) was significantly (P less than 0.05) higher in the soil collected 2km outside the reserve perimeter. The study concluded that there is high soil perturbation through land clearing ploughing and trampling by livestock?s of the soil outside the reserve.