Global Research Journal of Geography

Hydrological studies of the university of Cape Coast school of agriculture research station at Twifo Wamaso.

Abstract

The textural characteristics, hydraulic conductivity, and plasticity index of soils have been determined by grain size distribution test, infiltration rate analysis, and Atterberg Limits test respectively, on twenty sample locations spread over 150 acres at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) research station at Twifo Nwamaso in the central Region of Ghana. The soil tests were conducted at depths of 0.5 m and 1.0 m at each location. Meteorological data analysis and topographic survey were also used to respectively identify the rainfall pattern, run-off pattern, as well as the direction of flow. Unified Soil Classification System was adopted for the soil classification since grain size distribution had a significant effect on the engineering properties of the soil. The soil was classified as well or uniformly graded sand, sandy gravel, gravelly sand, silty sand, and sand with some clay. From the modified plasticity chart, 72% of the fine particles were observed to be silt with high and very high plasticity. Results show that, the soil is the histosols type with absence of iron-rich laterite, based on its values for Specific gravity and other engineering characteristics. The average bulk density values of 1.88 tonnes/m3 and 2.02 tonnes/m3 for the 0.5 m and 1.0 m depths respectively are considered to be relatively high, and that may hinder root penetration as permeability of the soil decreases. The well sorted soil exhibited high porosity with relatively low hydraulic conductivity with an average value of 0.234 cmhr-r. The infiltration rate test revealed that, for irrigation, the application rate of water of 0.026 cm/sec will be good enough for the soil to be saturated to support plant growth. The pH of the soil is moderately acidic with the subsurface soil being more acidic than the surface soil which is due to more clay identified at 1.0 m depth which suggested an illumination process at the site. The values obtained from the moisture content and the relative humidity test show that, even in the dry season, the soils contain water which is a result of the rainfall pattern of the area. The site is thus recommended for agricultural activities as confirmed by its engineering properties analyses.

Keywords: Textural characteristics, hydrologic conductivity, Plasticity index, soil, Twifo Wamaso, University of Cape Coast