Title: Climate Change, Soil Health and Sustainability in Vulnerable Areas of Nigeria: A Comparative Study of Yobe, Bayelsa and Anambra States, Nigeria
Authors: Lukuman Lekan ADELAKUN
Volume: 10
Issue: 6
Pages: 105-114
Publication Date: 2026/06/28
Abstract:
This study investigated the effects of climate-related environmental conditions on soil health and sustainability across three vulnerable ecological zones in Nigeria. Specifically, it compared selected soil properties between surface (0-15 cm) and subsurface (15-30 cm) layers, evaluated variations in soil health indicators among the study areas, and examined the influence of drought, flooding, and erosion on soil fertility and sustainability. The study was carried out in Yobe State, representing the drought-prone zone; Bayelsa State, representing the flood-prone coastal zone; and Anambra State, representing the erosion-prone zone. A comparative field survey design was employed. Soil samples were collected from five identified hotspot communities in each state using a zig-zag sampling pattern at depths of 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm. In total, 30 composite soil samples were analysed for soil moisture, organic carbon, organic matter, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, exchangeable potassium, cation exchange capacity, microbial biomass, and soil respiration. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, paired-sample t-test, one-way ANOVA with Tukey post hoc test, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression at the 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) between surface and subsurface soils, with the surface layer consistently exhibiting better soil quality indicators. Bayelsa State recorded the highest values for soil moisture (30.25%), organic carbon (1.63%), microbial biomass (390.0 mg/kg), and soil respiration (28.6 mg CO?/kg/day), while Yobe State had the lowest values for most parameters. The ANOVA results showed significant differences among the three ecological zones (p < 0.001). Correlation and regression analyses further revealed that drought exerted a strong negative influence on soil health (r = ?0.79 to ?0.91), flooding had a positive influence (r = +0.80 to +0.94), and erosion produced moderate negative effects (r = ?0.68 to ?0.78). The study concludes that climate-related environmental conditions play a significant role in shaping soil fertility and sustainability. Strengthening soil conservation measures and climate-responsive land management practices is essential for sustaining soil productivity and ecological stability.