Abstract
Soil quality, aggregate stability, plant available moisture content and pore structure of any land can be influenced by management practices but the manipulability of this structure largely depends on soil properties such as texture and water quality. This study investigated the comparative impact of aggregate stability on plant available moisture content between soil derived from basement complex and sandstone geology in Bauchi State. Composite samples were collected randomly within 0 – 60cm at an interval of 0 – 20cm from four locations each in four Local Government Areas of the state. The Local Governments were Toro, Bauchi, Darazo and Alkaleri. Nested design was used in this study. Aggregate stability and soil texture were assessed using standard procedures. Plant available moisture content was determined through laboratory procedure. The result revealed that soil derived from basement complex parent material had significantly (p < 0.05) larger aggregate stability compared to soil derived from sandstone parent material. Findings also revealed that plant available moisture content was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in soil derived from sandstone compared to soil derived from basement complex parent materials. Further research is recommended to explore management practices aimed at promoting aggregate stability that will improve plant available moisture in soil derived from basement complex geology in the Bauchi State to increase crop production in the area.