Burning Effects on Soil Properties and Growth of Maize: in the Dry Subhumid Savanna Zone of Nigeria

This study was undertaken to assess the effects of burning on the physico-chemical properties of soil and maize growth in the dry sub-humid savanna zone of Nigeria. Surface composite soil samples (0-15cm) were collected from both upland and lowland areas of Bauchi, Gombe and Kano states from un-burnt, lightly-burnt and intensely-burnt sites in farmers? farms at land preparation of the 2007/2008 cropping season and analysed in the laboratory, while part of the bulk soil samples were saved for a pot experiment in the screen-house to determine the effect on maize growth. Data collected were analysed using the SAS statistical software to test for significant differences at 5% level of significance. Findings from this research reveal that burning causes reduction in the fertility status of the soil and prolongs the period for maize growth within the dry sub-humid savanna region of Nigeria.