Ayuba, H.K.Aweto, A.O.Abubakar, Sani M.2023-12-142023-12-142000-04-01Aubcrt. G. and Tavernier, R. (1972) Soil survey. In: Soil of the Humid Tropics, pp!7-44. US Ma-jonu! Academy of Sciences; Washington. Brady, N.C. (1990) The Nature and Properties of Soils. Macmillan; New York Clihe-Cole, R.A. (1991) Woodfuel. afforestation and hind management in Africa: lessons not learned from history. Conference paper. Nigerian Geographical Assoc., Owerri. Nigeriahttps://keffi.nsuk.edu.ng/handle/20.500.14448/4716The fertility of soil in the tropics is influenced strongly by the secondary soil factors of organic matter, cation exchange capacity (CEC) and pH. Thus, information on the-changes in the levels of these soil properties is very vital to agricultural land use planning. This study examines the changes which occur in these soil properties following the establishment of small-holder agricultural practices, by comparing soil properties under the small-holder agricultural practices (SHAP) with a similar soil under a natural Savanna woodland (forest reserve). The result revealed that in the 0- 10cm layer of soil under small-holder agriculture, mere (P<0,01) in organic matter CEC and pH (P<0.05) compared with similar properties in adjoining Savanna woodland. In the IO-30cm layer or soil, organic matter, CEC and pH also decline significantly (P<0.05). The results suggest a decline in soil fertility in the cultivated sites. The adoption of soil management techniques to conserve and enhance soil organic matter and nutrients appears crucial to the long-term productivity of the soil and sustainability of agriculture in the area. were significant declineenArticle