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Trends and Variability Analysis of Rainfall and Temperature and its effects on Soil-Water Parameters in Ultisols of Akwa Ibom State
Author(s): Ekereobong David Ekpo*., Prof. Nnaji, Godwin Uche., Prof. Roseta Chizoba Eneje., Dr. Kingsley Chinyere Uzoma.
Volume/Issue: Volume 6 , Issue 1(2026)
ABSTRACT:
This study evaluated the trends and variability of rainfall and temperature and their effects on selected soilwater parameters in Ultisols of Akwa Ibom State. Thirty years (1995-2024) rainfall and temperature datawere obtained from the State meteorological stations. Soil samples were collected from a dried flood-pronelocations at 0-15cm and 15-30cm depths. Descriptive statistics, trend analysis and analysis of variance wereused to assess climatic variability and soil responses. Results showed increasing rainfall trends across alllocations with annual rainfall totals of 2185.00mm in Uyo, 4175.19mm in Eket, 4285.91mm in Ikot Ekpene0 0and 4518.97mm in Eastern Obolo. Mean annual temperatures ranged from 26.39 Cin Uyo to 27.00 C in-1 -1 -1 Eket. Rainfall trend equations indicated positive increases of 2.77mmyr , 2.70mmyr , 0.67mmyr , and-1 2.34mmyr for Uyo, Eket, Ikot Ekpene and Eastern Obolo respectively. Soil hydraulic conductivity rangedh-1 h-1 from 1.21-1.41cm , while infiltration rate varied between 0.85 and 1.91cm . Moisture content was highestin Eastern Obolo (25.51%) and Ikot Ekpene (31.48%) at the subsurface layer. Increased rainfall wasassociated with higher soil moisture retention, field capacity and permanent wilting point particularly incoastal locations. It is hereby recommended that proper drainage systems should be developed andmaintained to reduce waterlogging and flooding risks.
KEYWORDS:
Annual Rainfall, Soil-Water Parameters, Temperature, Trend, Variability
