Climate Change Effects on Soil Fertility and Crop Yield

Climate change has emerged as a major threat to global food security, with significant implications for soil fertility and crop productivity. This study examines the effects of climate change on soil fertility and maize yield in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria, using a GIS-based approach. The study employs vegetation indices such as Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI), and Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) to assess variations in vegetation health, soil conditions, and agricultural productivity over time. Findings reveal that urban expansion, deforestation, and rising temperatures have contributed to soil degradation and reduced maize yields in the study area. Analysis of land use and land cover (LULC) changes from 2003 to 2023 indicates a significant increase in built-up areas and a corresponding decline in forest and agricultural land. The study also highlights a decline in soil moisture retention due to increased land surface temperatures (LST), adversely affecting maize production. Farmers in Ado-Ekiti have reported declining yields, increased reliance on chemical fertilizers, and greater vulnerability to erratic rainfall patterns. To mitigate these challenges, the study recommends the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices, including agroforestry, conservation tillage, and improved irrigation systems. Additionally, urban planning policies should be enforced to regulate land conversion and protect agricultural zones. Government interventions, such as farmer subsidies, reforestation programs, and enhanced climate adaptation policies, are crucial for ensuring sustainable food production and environmental conservation in the region.