ABSTRACT:

Coastal plain sands are fragile ecosystems susceptible to degradation due to intensive land use
practices. This study assessed the effects of selected land use types (cassava farm, rubber, oil palm
plantation and fallow land) on soil physical and chemical properties in coastal plain sands.
Eighteen (18) composite soil samples were collected from 0-15 and 15-30 cm depth and analyzed for
selected physical and chemical properties. Bulk density, particle size distribution, soilpH, organic
carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, exchangeable bases, effective cation exchange
capacity and base saturation. The result indicated that sand, silt and clay contents under different
land uses investigated did not show any significant (p>0.05) difference at both 0-15 cm and 15-30
cm soil depth.The nutrient content of soil under fallow land and cassava farm were only marginally
higher than those under oil palm and rubber plantations. Total porosity shows a positive and
significant correlation with magnesium (Mg) (r =0.773, (p<0.05) and sodium (Na) (r = 0.946,
((p<0.01). This result implies that an increase in total porosity will subsequently increase the level
of Mg and Na in the soil. Based on the findings from this study, it is imperative to adopt sustainable
land use practices that prioritize soil conservation and environmental protection, to maintain soil
health and mitigate degradation in coastal plain sands.