Continuous cultivation depletes soil, tree crops conserve: study.
The study looked at how different types of farming affect soil in Nigeria. They checked soil properties like strength, water flow, and nutrients in six types of land: paddock, crops, forest, teak, oil palm, and cacao. Forests and cacao farms had good water flow, while crop fields had dense soil. Oil palm soil was strongest. Most soils were slightly to very acidic, with low phosphorus but high nitrogen. Cacao, paddock, and crop fields had good nutrient capacity. Continuous farming made soil worse, while planting trees or using good farming practices helped keep soil healthy.