




































    

 Academic Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology 

Vol. 10, Issue 6; November-December 2025; 

ISSN: 2837-2964 

Impact Factor: 7.67 

1252 Columbia Rd NW, Washington DC, United States 

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1 | A c a d e m i c  J o u r n a l  o f  S c i e n c e ,  E n g i n e e r i n g  a n d  T e c h n o l o g y  

|  https://topjournals.org/index.php/AJSET 

 

 

SOIL CHARACTERIZATION FOR TEXTURE AND MOISTURE 

PROPERTIES AT SPATIAL DATA RANGE FOR POTENTIAL IMPACT 

ON FLOODING IN OZORO, NIGERIA 
 
*1Godspower Ikechukwu Okolotu, 2Chidiebere Fabian Ozioko, 3Okiemute Dickson 

Ofuyekpone and 4Ike Oluka.  
*1Delta State University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Agricultural 

Engineering, P.M.B. 05, Ozoro, Nigeria. 
2Delta State University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Chemical 

Engineering, P.M.B.05, Ozoro, Nigeria. 
3Delta State University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Materials and 

Metallurgical Engineering, P.M.B.05, Ozoro, Nigeria. 
4Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Agricultural and 

Bioresource Engineering, P.M.B.01, Enugu, Nigeria. 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17541787 

 

ABSTRACT: Soil properties for seven hundred and fifty (750) on–point soil samples were obtained at a depth 

of 0 – 10 cm below the soil horizon and characterized for their texture type using the jar technique. 

Additionally, the moisture content features were determined before the microwave/oven drying technique was 

used to assess dehydration under both wet and dry basis conditions, as well as the variation in moisture. These 

value attributes were used to obtain their impact on the flooding of the area. Resultantly, it was found that the 

soil type of the area was sandy loam soil, while the average moisture values for the area were 5.4059% on a 

wet basis, 5.8116 % on a dry basis, and 0.4057% variation. The variations in the basis range between 0 – 4 %. 

Thus, a conclusion based on the obtained results prior to the soil properties, which significantly showed normal 

features attributed to sandy loam soil about water movement, indicating that the area flooding is not basically 

influenced negatively by the ground type. 

Keywords: Soil Classification, Soil Texture, Moisture Content, Soil Moisture Variation, Flooding, etc. 

 

 

1. INTRODUCTION 

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 Academic Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology 

Vol. 10, Issue 6; November-December 2025; 

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2 | A c a d e m i c  J o u r n a l  o f  S c i e n c e ,  E n g i n e e r i n g  a n d  T e c h n o l o g y  

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There is need for adequate examination of soils [24]. This is useful in soil and water conservation, 

environmental management, and land use demand for various purposes. The ever-growing population in the 

world is expected to reach 9 billion by 2050, inciting the need to produce more food to meet the increasing 

global demands [23]. Also, securing and managing the soil  require knowledge of soil properties for various 

decisions making. This research work provides information that will guide scientists, engineers and local land 

advisers in understanding soil properties for potential productivity of fields, as well as usability. 

Soil Classification: The soil is a vital asset of man. It is the base upon which various human activities are 

carried out. The soil is the cornerstone of an agro ecosystem and a reflection of the potential productiveness of 

an environment. The soil experiences threats from; soil erosion by water and wind, declines in soil organic 

matter (SOM) in peat and mineral soils, soil compaction, sealing, contamination, salinization, desertification, 

declines in soil biodiversity [13], flooding, etc. Soil classifications are typically named for the primary 

constituent particle size or a combination of the most abundant particles sizes (e.g. sandy clay, silty clay) [7]. 

Soils are classifiable through their particle sizes using various classification systems approved by appropriate 

bodies. Examples are: the British Standard Institution, the International Union of Soil Science (IUSS), the 

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the United States Public Roads Administration 

(USPRA). The soil classification system using their particle sizes developed by these international bodies are 

presented in figure one (1) below; 

 
Figure 1: Classification Of Soil Particle According To Size By Four Systems [8] 

Soil Characteristics:  Soil is a natural body comprised of solids (minerals and organic matter), liquid, and 

gases that occurs on the land surface, occupies space, and is characterized by one or both of the following: 

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3 | A c a d e m i c  J o u r n a l  o f  S c i e n c e ,  E n g i n e e r i n g  a n d  T e c h n o l o g y  

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horizons or layers that are distinguishable from the initial material as a result of additions, losses, transfers, and 

transformations of energy and matter in a natural environment [4]. The soil is a natural resource that exists in 

there major particle forms which are ever available on earth (clay, sand and silt). A soil can be all sand, all clay, 

or all silt in rare case, though most soils are a combination of the three [9]. Soils perform vital functions to 

sustain plant and animal life, regulate water flow, filter and buffer pollutants, cycle nutrients, and provide 

physical stability and sort [4]. The soil also receives beneficial support from them. [25] noted that, the root 

systems of live plants act in several ways to increase slope stability and serve as a binder for individual soil 

particles. It is teaming with billions of bacteria, fungi, and other microbes that are the foundation of an elegant 

symbiotic ecosystem [5]. The soil is a renewable resource. They are considered renewable because they are 

constantly forming [9]. Soil formation process takes decades to occur. Soil formation rates vary across the 

planet: the slowest rates occur in cold, dry regions (1000+ years), and the fastest rates are in hot, wet regions 

(several hundred years) [9]. Soils have four main components: mineral particles (sand, silt, and clay), organic 

matter, water, and air [10]. Soil contains these nutrients and minerals because of the physical, chemical, and 

biological forces that form soil, the composition of the parent material from which soils were formed, and the 

ability of soils to capture, retain, and transform compounds as those compounds enter and move through their 

environment [11]. 

Soil Texture: Texture affects many soil properties, such as infiltration, structure, porosity, water holding 

capacity, and chemistry [7]. The soil texture is associated with soil porosity, which in turn regulates the water 

holding capacity, gaseous diffusion and water movement that determines the soil health [21]. The soil water 

holding and movement influence varieties of factors in the soil environment. The smallest mineral particle in 

soil is clay. Clay particles are the active portion of a soil. This is because chemical reactions occur at their 

surface. The chemical reactions control the adsorption and many other chemicals in the environment. Sand and 

silt particles are less active chemically because of their mineral composition and limited surface area. This is 

because there particle sizes are bigger than clay. Texture affects many soil processes, including infiltration, 

drainage (water and air distribution), erosion, chemical processes, and biologic processes [16]. 

Soil Moisture Content: Moisture content is defined as the ratio of the weight of liquid in the soil to that of the 

solid. Moisture content is an important physical property index for evaluating the physical and mechanical 

properties of soil [14]. Soil moisture (SM) content can be defined as the amount of water available in the 

unsaturated zone [19]. In engineering practice, soil moisture content plays an important role in the safety 

performance evaluation of various geotechnical engineering structures (such as soil nailing wall, foundation, 

earth rock dam, etc.), slope treatment and reinforcement, landslide and debris flow early warning, ground 

collapse prevention and control, etc., [14]. Soil moisture content material has paramount importance in dictating 

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 Academic Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology 

Vol. 10, Issue 6; November-December 2025; 

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engineering, agronomic, geological, ecological, bioorganical, and hydrological features of the soil mass [18]. It 

influences plant growth, soil temperature, transport of chemicals and groundwater recharge [23]. The two types 

of soil moisture measurements are the direct (volumetric, gravimetric, and methyl alcohol methods) and the 

indirect methods (gypsum block, tensiometer, neutron probe, and pressure gauge: pressure plate and pressure 

membrane). The volumetric method involves obtaining soil samples using a tube auger of a known volume and 

obtaining the amount of water present in the sample using appropriate formula upon oven drying. The 

gravimetric methods involves measurement of soil moisture from soil samples of known weight or volume 

through weighing, drying and reweighing to obtain the difference in amount of dryness and wetness of the soil 

sample. The methyl alcohol technic involves mixing a known volume of methyl alcohol and obtaining the 

change in specific gravity of the solution using the hydrometer. The gypsum blocks are rectangular shaped 

blocks of materials like gypsum, nylon fiber, glass, etc., made up of a ceramic or clay cup of 7.5 cm, a cap for 

closure, a vacuum gauge and a hollow metallic tube. They operate on the principle of conductance of electricity 

through the electrodes. Tensiometer is used to obtain amount of tension or the tenacity upon which water is held 

in by soil. Thus, upon water fillage of the tensiometer placed in the soil, the gauge records the degree of vacuum 

due to the dryness of soil prior moisture obtained from the cup. Neutron probe and pressure gauge involves the 

use of neutron meters as well as pressure gauge in obtaining the moisture in the soil through the use of radio 

nuclides or radioactive materials. Neutron probe of source like americium and beryllium, radium and beryllium 

etc., is lowered into access tube (basically 50 -100 cm) at the desired depth in the soil and fast neutrons are 

released into the soil, and upon neutrons encounter with nuclei of hydrogen atom of water, their speed is 

reduced and the rate meter counts the number of slow neutrons, which are directly proportional to water 

molecules which are used to obtain the moisture content of soil from the calibration curve with the counts of 

slow neutrons. 

Jar Technique Analysis: Generally, mechanical analysis is a process of soil test in the laboratory. The jar test 

is a simple experiment that gives the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay in the soil, which together 

determine the soil’s texture [12]. It is one of the most important laboratory determination made in soil studies 

[8]. It is divided into two major types: Sieve analysis and hydrometer analysis. Sieve analysis involves the 

shaking of soil samples through a set of sieves of different sizes that have smaller openings of approximately 

5mm and below. The sieve analysis is suitable for coarse grained soil i.e., the soil having particle size greater 

than 75 microns. Hydrometer analysis is the process of testing soil based on the principle of sedimentation of 

soil grains in water. Hydrometer analysis is further developed to sub - types of which the jar technique emerged 

from. When a soil specimen is dispersed in water, the particles settle at different velocities, depending on their 

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5 | A c a d e m i c  J o u r n a l  o f  S c i e n c e ,  E n g i n e e r i n g  a n d  T e c h n o l o g y  

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shape, size, weight, and the viscosity of the water. This is the principle governing the jar technique in a known 

sized container. 

Flooding: Flood otherwise inundation, deluge, flash flood, downpour, freshet, torrent, swamping, overflow, 

spate, cloudburst, etc. Flood refers to the ponding of water at or near the point where the rain fell [1]. It occur as 

a result of heavy rainfall, snowmelt, ocean or sea wave action on shores, water body overflow. It is regarded as 

flash flood when caused by heavy or excessive rainfall in a short period of time, generally less than 6 hours [1]. 

Flood is a threat to lives, destroying belongings, damage infrastructures, inundate businesses and properties, 

hinder access to places, displaces people and residents, etc. These floods are threats to agriculture. Agricultural 

farms and crops are submerged upon the occurrence of these flood events. Moreover some crops do not have 

resistance to water submersion conditions, and thus suffer the effects more. In 2022, the pond news reported of 

the submersion of the Delta State University Of Science And Technology Ozoro. Also, in 2015, the area 

(Ozoro) witnessed high flooding with hundreds of person displaced from their homes with Etevie, Iyeriri and 

Urhuamudhu communities identified with higher damage. These highlighted flood scaneros as a problem that 

needs solution in the area. This solution have been delayed due to possible fund acquisition calling on 

government and nongovernmental bodies to interceed, as this will serve as a major community development for 

the area. [17] reported that the overall impact of flood varied across selected states: Bayelsa (99 percent) Jigawa 

(94 percent), Nasarawa (70 percent), Kogi (70 percent), Delta (57 percent) and Anambra (23 percent). This puts 

Delta state among the frontline of flood vulnerability in the country. In same period, [2] recommendably 

highlighted the need for residents in "Abraka, Agbor, Asaba, Umuakwata, Aboh, Ozoro, Oleh, Otu-Jeremi and 

other coastline communities, as well as persons living in floodplain areas to immediately relocate temporarily to 

upper land, taking with them valuable properties, children, people with disabilities and the elderly family 

members". In all, flood is a problem in the area. 

2. MATERIALS 

The study area is Ozoro in delta state of nigeria. Ozoro is located in Isoko north local government area. It is 

popularly known for its educationally attributed history with higher institutions (Ozoro college of education and 

the defunct delta state polytechnic, Ozoro) of which delta state university of science and technology have 

emerged from, at present known as Southern Deltan University, Ozoro. The soil and water laboratory section of 

the department of Agricultural Engineering of the Delta State University Of Science And Technology, Ozoro 

was deployed for sample analysis. 

Other materials used in this study include the following: Materials used for soil test (soil auger, plastic sack, 

detergent, distilled water, electric oven, textural triangle, etc), weighing balance, and materials used for 

moisture experiment (soil samples, plastic sac, plastic tape, microwave, etc). 

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6 | A c a d e m i c  J o u r n a l  o f  S c i e n c e ,  E n g i n e e r i n g  a n d  T e c h n o l o g y  

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3. METHODOLOGY 

A total of seven hundred and fifty (750) on – point soil samples were scientifically obtained from selected fifty 

(50) on – site different sub – sectional locations within the study area, using the soil auger at appropriately 10 

cm vertical depth meeting the collection global standard range of the 0 - 15 cm depth. The samples were bagged 

and labeled using black plastic sacks and paper tape, and upon grouping, taken to agricultural engineering 

department laboratory for necessary tests. A typical soil sampling and measurement are presented in figure two 

(2) below; 

 
Figure 2: Soil Sampling And Soil Measurement Using The Weighing Balance 

i. Soil Type Experimentation: The mechanical analysis technique of laboratory procedure for soil separation 

identification was utilized. According to [20], the percentage height of each measured soil components were 

used to trace their soil type (using the lines from the percentage values on the textural class diagram) presented 

in figure three (3) below; 

 

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7 | A c a d e m i c  J o u r n a l  o f  S c i e n c e ,  E n g i n e e r i n g  a n d  T e c h n o l o g y  

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Figure 3: Soil Textural Class Diagram [22; 20]. 

Prior these methods, other replicates experiments were attained for their obtained samples. 

ii. Soil Moisture Content: The moisture content (%) of the soil samples were obtained upon weighing, the soil 

samples were dried in an oven at 105 oC for 24 hours, and reweighed for measurements and computations. This 

was based on the difference in weight of the soil (wetness to dryness). Moisture content is expressed as a 

percentage by weight of either total product (wet basis) or dry product (dry basis). [3] mathematically explain 

moisture content as presented below; 

Wet Basis Moisture Content: M = 100 x (Wet Weight – Dry Weight) / Wet Weight 

Dry Basis Moisture Content: M = 100 x (Wet Weight – Dry Weight) / Dry Weight 

The computations were done using the wet basis moisture content equation above, in alignment with the 

guidelines of [6] as presented below; 

 
Where: W1 = Weight of petri dish + sample before drying; W2 = Weight of Petri dish + sample after drying; 

W1 - W2 = Moisture Loss 

Prior these methods, other replicates experiments were attained for their obtained samples. Also, obtained 

values were used to assess the possible or negative impact of the soil on the area flooding. 

4. RESULTS 

The results obtained in the course of this work are presented in tables 1 - 3 and figures 5 - 8 below; 

Table 1: Soil Composition And Types 

Exp. 

No. 

Sandy 

Ml 

Clay 

Ml 

Silt 

Ml 

Total 

Soil 

% 

Sandy 

% 

Clay 

% 

Silt 

Soil Type 

1 30 11 5 46 65 24 11 Sandy clay loam 

2 43 4 11 58 74 7 19 Sandy loam 

3 52 0 6 58 90 0 10 Sand 

4 39 10 2 51 76 20 4 Sandy loam 

5 48 8 2 58 83 14 3 Loamy sand 

6 46 12 1 59 78 20 2 Sandy loam 

7 29 23 6 58 50 40 10 Sandy clay 

8 32 18 8 58 55 31 14 Sandy clay loam 

9 51 13 0 64 80 20 0 Sandy loam 

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8 | A c a d e m i c  J o u r n a l  o f  S c i e n c e ,  E n g i n e e r i n g  a n d  T e c h n o l o g y  

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10 48 18 3 69 70 26 4 Sandy clay loam 

11 46 1 0 47 98 2 0 Sand 

12 45 2 0 47 96 4 0 Sand 

13 30 20 2 52 58 38 4 Sandy Clay loam 

14 41 2 0 43 95 5 0 Sand 

15 48 6 0 54 89 11 0 Loamy sand 

16 42 0 14 56 75 0 25 Loamy sand 

17 46 2 0 48 96 4 0 Sand 

18 48 2 0 50 96 4 0 Sand 

19 45 2 0 47 96 4 0 Sand 

20 50 2 0 52 96 4 0 Sand 

21 22 20 8 50 44 40 16 Sandy clay 

22 40 16 20 76 53 21 26 Sandy loam 

23 53 0 1 54 98 0 2 Sand 

24 48 1 21 70 69 1 30 Sandy loam 

25 47 2 9 58 81 3 16 Loamy sand 

26 52 0 2 54 96 0 4 Sand 

27 24 1 11 36 67 3 31 Sandy loam 

28 32 4 3 39 83 10 8 Loamy sand 

29 24 2 12 38 63 5 32 Sandy loam 

30 20 1 9 30 67 3 30 Sandy loam 

31 34 4 1 39 87 10 3 Loamy sand 

32 17 1 8 26 65 4 31 Sandy loam 

33 17 3 8 28 61 11 29 Sandy loam 

34 18 2 12 32 56 6 38 Sandy loam 

35 24 1 16 41 59 2 39 Sandy loam 

36 19 1 9 29 66 3 31 Sandy loam 

37 29 4 1 34 85 12 3 Loamy sand 

38 31 6 1 38 82 16 3 Loamy sand 

39 33 6 2 41 80 15 5 Loamy sand 

40 31 1 7 39 79 3 18 Loamy sand 

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41 28 1 10 39 72 3 26 Sandy loam 

42 32 5 2 39 82 13 5 Loamy sand 

43 34 5 2 41 83 12 5 Loamy sand 

44 29 7 2 38 76 18 5 Sandy loam 

45 31 9 2 42 74 21 5 Sandy loam 

46 22 14 1 37 59 38 3 Sandy clay loam 

47 14 3 4 21 67 14 19 Sandy loam 

48 13 2 4 19 68 11 21 Sandy loam 

49 16 1 2 19 84 5 11 Loamy sand 

50 14 2 3 19 74 11 16 Sandy loam 

Av. 34 6 5 45 76 12 12 Sandy loam 

The results of soil moisture properties obtained are presented in table two (2) below; 

Table 2: Results Of Soil Moisture Variables  

Exp. 

No. 

Weight Of Empty 

Petri Dish (g) 

Weight Of Wet 

Soil Sample (g) 

Weight Of Dry 

Soil (g) 

Moisture Loss (g) 

1 35 80.5 77.7 2.8 

2 38.7 89.4 85.6 3.8 

3 39.1 75.1 66.5 8.6 

4 36.4 74.3 71.2 3.1 

5 40.7 87.0 84.0 3.0 

6 39.4 83.5 81.0 2.5 

7 36.1 72.0 69.2 2.8 

8 38.4 71.5 69.3 2.2 

9 30.0 78.1 74.0 4.1 

10 40.8 75.6 75.1 0.5 

11 36.7 75.4 72.8 2.6 

12 39.6 81.9 79.2 2.7 

13 35.3 78.0 75.6 2.4 

14 39.3 73.0 71.1 1.9 

15 36.2 71.5 69.3 2.2 

16 38.9 79.5 77.2 2.3 

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17 38.2 86.7 83.8 2.9 

18 40.9 93.6 90.1 3.5 

19 36.9 88.2 83.6 4.6 

20 36.9 81.2 76.8 4.4 

21 39.6 72.8 66.4 6.4 

22 35.4 72.3 69.2 3.1 

23 39.2 69.2 66.3 2.9 

24 38.8 69.7 67.1 2.6 

25 36.7 74.3 71.2 3.1 

26 38.0 70.7 68.2 2.5 

27 38.0 82.2 79.2 3.0 

28 39.0 92.7 87.4 5.3 

29 36.7 78.0 75.6 2.4 

30 40.7 74.9 70.8 4.1 

31 36.6 82.7 79.0 3.7 

32 35.0 68.9 65.1 3.8 

33 38.7 81.8 77.7 4.1 

34 36.0 78.3 71.2 7.1 

35 40.7 94.0 85.9 8.1 

36 36.0 74.3 71.5 2.8 

37 39.0 87.7 81.5 6.2 

38 36.7 85.3 78.9 6.4 

39 38.0 68.0 63.8 4.2 

40 38.6 85.5 78.3 7.2 

41 36.6 80.0 74.0 6.0 

42 38.7 85.5 79.1 6.4 

43 35.0 90.0 86.3 3.7 

44 38.0 93.8 77.6 16.2 

45 36.6 84.4 79.2 5.2 

46 36.0 78.9 75.3 3.6 

47 36.6 75.2 69.9 5.3 

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48 36.7 81.5 76.2 5.3 

49 38.0 74.9 68.5 6.4 

50 39.1 68.5 61.6 6.9 

Av. 37.6 79.4 75.1 4.3 

Results of moisture content values are presented in table three (3) below; 

Table 3: The Results Of Moisture Content In Wet Basis, Dry Basis, And Variation  

Exp. No. Moisture Content (%) 

Wet Basis Dry Basis Basis Variation 

1 3.4783 3.6036 0.1253 

2 4.2506 4.4393 0.1887 

3 11.4514 12.9323 1.4809 

4 4.1723 4.3539 0.1816 

5 3.4483 3.5714 0.1231 

6 2.9940 3.0864 0.0924 

7 3.8889 4.0462 0.1573 

8 3.0769 3.1746 0.0977 

9 5.2497 5.5405 0.2908 

10 0.6614 0.6658 0.0044 

11 3.4483 3.5714 0.1231 

12 3.2967 3.4091 0.1124 

13 3.0769 3.1746 0.0977 

14 2.6027 2.6723 0.0696 

15 3.0769 3.1746 0.0977 

16 2.8931 2.9793 0.0862 

17 3.3449 3.4606 0.1157 

18 3.7393 3.8846 0.1453 

19 5.2154 5.5024 0.2870 

20 5.4187 5.7292 0.3105 

21 8.7912 9.6386 0.8474 

22 4.2877 4.4798 0.1921 

23 4.1908 4.3741 0.1833 

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24 3.7303 3.8748 0.1445 

25 4.1723 4.3539 0.1816 

26 3.5361 3.6657 0.1296 

27 3.6496 3.7879 0.1383 

28 5.7174 6.0641 0.3467 

29 3.0769 3.1746 0.0977 

30 5.4740 5.7910 0.3170 

31 4.4740 4.6835 0.2095 

32 5.5152 5.8372 0.3220 

33 5.0122 5.2767 0.2645 

34 9.0677 9.9719 0.9042 

35 8.6170 9.4296 0.8126 

36 3.7685 3.9161 0.1476 

37 7.0696 7.6074 0.5378 

38 7.5029 8.1115 0.6086 

39 6.1765 6.5831 0.4066 

40 8.4211 9.1954 0.7743 

41 7.5000 8.1081 0.6081 

42 7.4854 8.0910 0.6056 

43 4.1111 4.2874 0.1763 

44 17.2708 20.8763 3.6055 

45 6.1611 6.5657 0.4046 

46 4.5627 4.7809 0.2182 

47 7.0479 7.5823 0.5344 

48 6.5031 6.9554 0.4523 

49 8.5447 9.3431 0.7984 

50 10.0730 11.2013 1.1283 

Av. 5.4059 5.8116 0.4057 

The wet basis moisture content is presented in figure four (4) below; 

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Figure 4: Wet Basis Moisture Content 

The dry basis moisture content is presented in figure five (5) below; 

 
Figure 5: Dry Basis Moisture Content 

The variation in basis is presented in figure six (6) below; 

 

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Figure 6: Moisture Variation In Basis For All Experiments  

The moisture loss for all experiments is presented in figure seven (7) below; 

 
Figure 7: Moisture Loss For All Experiments 

5. DISCUSSIONS 

From results obtained, the area has a sandy loam soil. This is dominatively present with loamy sand. This was 

obtained from most occurring soil type from the products of laboratory analysis and their values in the textural 

triangle which is equipped with all possible combinations of soil separation results. This triangle makes it 

flexible for all types of soil separation experiments. 

Also, sandy loam soil is regarded as the magic soil, with the sand comprising the largest amount, followed by 

silt, and a smaller part of clay. Sand particles are generally more solid and larger than other soil particle types, 

thereby possessing the capacity of allowing water to move through them more easily. Silt and clay on the other 

hand are good in water retaintion. Sandy loam soils possess well-balanced capacity for water holding, form a 

stable structure, as well provide sufficient aeration. [16] noted that these properties also affect suitability of soil 

for different uses, such as stormwater infiltration. 

From results obtained, the moisture content were however within the range of 0 – 20 %. This is relatively 

characterizable to a low moisture content class. This is attributed to low water concentration in the soil pores of 

the area. Moreso, the results points to the soil properties at the uppermost layer of the soil. However, [15] 

reported that soil moisture controls the propagation of floods by delaying or accelerating the accumulation of 

rainwater in the runoff cycle. Soil moisture characterization over a spatial domains is a key determininant of the 

movement of water within the land-atmosphere continuum. In figures four (4) and five (5) above, There exist a 

great correlationship between the two properties of moisture presence in the soil. This can be seen from their 

curve patterns. These two curves also influenced the curve pattern of moisture loss in figure seven (7). [11] 

reported that "the texture and historical nature of soils affects how they respond to moisture extremes like floods 

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and droughts". Thus, both properties posses the ability of influencing the flood behavior of the area. However 

with the nature of soil in the area, their influence were minimal. 

From general results obtained, the soil properties does not posses significantly varying features capable of 

influencing the area flooding.  

Finally, in addition to other significant influencable variables, installation of appropriate surface and subsurface 

drains is a perceived recommendable solution to this flooding incidence. Soil or land reclamation strategies for 

swampy regions have proven useful in various location and thus may also be deployed in required locations of 

the area. Moreso, this work provides the simplicity in laboratory and experimental approach of soil analysis, 

which may be beneficial within and farest of the study area. 

6. CONCLUSION 

From results obtained and discussion made, it was therefore concluded that; the soil properties of the study area 

was sandy loam. The area has low moisture content of 0 – 20%. At average, the soil has moisture loss of 4.3g, 

and moisture content of 5.4059 % on wet basis, 5.8116 % on dry basis and 0.4057 % variation. The variations 

in the basis were between 0 – 4 % difference. 

Also, based on obtained results stated and discussed above, the soil properties possess normal features attributed 

to sandy loam soil with regards to water movement. Thus, it was concluded that, the soil type and moisture 

features contributed little or no negative impact on the area flooding. Generally, sandy loam has moderate 

impact on flooding, due to its attributed good drainage and reduction in waterlogging risk. Though its high 

infiltration rate features contribute to groundwater recharge of the area during flood events. 

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