Asian Review of Environmental and Earth Sciences Vol. 1, No. 1, 16-18, August 2014 Publish by Asian online Journal Publishing Group URL: www.asianonlinejournals.com 16 Seasonal Variations of Infiltration Rates of Forest Land Cover in Utisols Soils of Abini, Biase, Cross River State of Nigeria Ukata, Samual Uka Dept. of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria Oluyemi Ayorinde Akintoye Dept. of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria Charles Ojong Nkpena Research and Planning Department, Cross River Tourism Bureau, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria Ubong Edet Harrison Dept. of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria Abstract 1. Introduction The movement of water into the immediate soil surface either through precipitation, irrigation or other hydrological processes describes the phenomenon of infiltration. It involves three main components of surface entry, movement through the soil surface and reduction of soil storage capacity. The maximum rate at which the soil in any given condition is capable of absorbing water is called infiltration capacity, while infiltration rate on the other hand refers to the amount of water that passes into the ground surface at a given depth, per unit time [2]. Akintoye, et al. [3] have also examined the effects of land-use on the infiltration capacity of coastal plain soils of Calabar in Nigeria. As an important process in the soil phase of the hydrologic cycle, infiltration determines the amount of run -off and supply of water into the soil profile [4]. Empirical works have proved the variations in infiltration rates of tropical soils resulting from high rainfall seasonality, parent material and the influence of vegetation. Studies by Antigha [5] showed marked variations in mean infiltration rates of soils under forested land cover of Akamkpa to be between 3.1 and 3.6 cm/hr- 1 in dry and raining seasons of the year. In Ireland, Diamond [6] assessed the infiltration capacities of some extensive soils to determine their temporal and spatial variability. The result showed that the initial moisture content at 0.60mm depth was lower during summer than winter, with mean values of 0.38 mm and 0.70 mm. The mean steady infiltration rate (mm hr -1 ) was given as 50.4 mm and 22.1 mm respectively. Also, studies by Ahn [7] in England revealed seasonal variations of mean infiltration rates to be 0.24 mm and 0.63 mm at summer and winter season to corroborates previous research findings. This article provides insight into the seasonal variation of infiltration rates of utisol soils, under forest cover in Abini, Biase, Cross River State of Nigeria. The annual and seasonal amount of precipitation upon a place, and the soils capacity to absorb same, affects the degree and extent of the occurrence of ecological events, such as overland flow, runoff, erosion, flooding and landslide, quite inimical to land productivity. Thus the study investigated the response of forest soils to precipitation intake at different seasons, which is pertinent to landuse planning in both construction and agricultural industries. Data from the study were generated through field measurements of the infiltration rates of soils using a cylinder (flooding) inflitrometer designed by Hills [1] in two seasons of rainy (September-October) and dry (December-January) respectively, in rural watershed. The result showed seasonal changes in the equilibrium rates of infiltration form 9.6cm/hrt (rainy season) to 8.4 cm/hrt (dry season). This was indeed a hypothetical contrast from the expected ideal situation among infiltration experts, that infiltration values are supposed to soar in dry season than rainy season in the tropics. The factors of soil pore compaction and decline in the rates of biological activities accounted for this. Soil compaction reduces the rate of soil water loss through evaporation, enhances ground water conservation and stabilizes the soil structure for diverse benefits to man. Afforestation programme is hereby recommended to sustain the regional land ecosystem. Keywords: Seasonal variation, Infiltration rates, Ecological events, Compaction of pores.