Document Type : ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE
Author
P.O Box 63 Department of Geography, University of Buea
Abstract
The study assessed the effects of banana production on water channeled through the plantations with a view to make plantation agriculture sustainable through a better understanding of its impact on water quality parameters. Primary and secondary data were used for the research. The study adopted a 5x3x2 factorial design for five plantation age series and for water source treatment with three levels (water before entering plantation, within plantation and water after leaving the plantation) and seasonal treatment with 2 levels (dry season and rainy season). One-way ANOVA was used to analyse the data followed by multiple comparisons to further separate significant levels if overall significant treatment differences exist. Simple bivariate correlations were used to determine the strength and nature of the relationship between banana ages and water properties. Results revealed a significant site difference in the levels of Na+, K+, Ca+, Mg2+ and pH. The cations were higher in the water within the plantations than the control site. Water pH became more acidic as the water flows through the plantations into nearby streams. A significant seasonal difference in Ca, Mg and pH was also noticed with the values of Ca and Mg higher in water during the rainy season and that of pH lower. The study concluded that banana plantations affect negatively water characteristics and poses a serious threat to man and aquatic organisms. To ensure the sustainability of the plantation, the study suggest the use of organic fertilisers and creation of buffer zones.
Keywords
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