An Investigation of Temperature Variation at Soil Depths in Parts of Southern Nigeria

Variations in soil temperature at depths have been investigated in different parts of Southern Nigeria. Measurements were carried out at different lithologies and at different times with the aid of a soil thermometer over a three-week period. Readings were taken in three major lithologies which include clay, sand and sandy loam. The daily soil temperature for clayey soil ranges from 27.7℃ – 28.9℃ with a simple mean of 28.3℃; 28.2℃– 29.1℃ for sandy soil and 28.3℃ – 29.0℃ for loamy soil. The mean temperature for all soil types is 28.7℃, indicating that these soils are favourable for farming. A feature of the results is that soil temperature varies more randomly in the sandy soil than the other soil types. The results can be valuable in planning and developing soil tillage practices and other agricultural activities in the areas studied.