Calcium and magnesium are important secondary nutrients that contribute to soil fertility, nutrient balance, and sustainable crop production. This study evaluated the mineralization of soil exchangeable Ca2+ and Mg2+. The study was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. The experiment was a randomized complete block design with three replications. Cured cattle, goat and poultry manures were applied at 5, 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 120 and 150 t ha-1 once at first cycle and N15P15K15 at 0.4 t ha-1 per cycle. At two weeks intervals, soil samples were collected and analyzed for exchangeable calcium and magnesium. Pretreatment soil and manures were analyzed for Electrical Conductivity (EC), pH, ammonium-nitrogen, nitrate-nitrogen, total phosphorus, potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium, using standard procedures. Across cycles, soil Ca2+ and Mg2+ values were not increase consistently according to increase in manures rates. High Mg2+ contents were observed between 8 – 10 WAI for cattle and poultry manure treatments while goat manure treatment was between 10 - 14 WAI during the experiment at first, second and third cycles of planting, respectively. Addition of cattle, goat and poultry manures at 6 WAP improved the soil Ca2+ and Mg2+ with highest values during first and second cycles and 4 WAP during third cycle which could be due to solubilization. The lowest values of Ca2+ and Mg2+ during third cycle could suggest uptake by plant and leaching.
This trial tested the effectiveness of Soil Moisture Retainer (SMR) product on improvement of soil conditions and tomato and sweet corn performances alongside different irrigation levels in order to identify the promising rates and levels. The experiment was conducted in two phases involving Padma tomato variety and Sugar-75 sweet corn variety. Using the recommendations of the product, trials were set up in an experimental site situated on 11°9’55’’N 7°37’56’’E to 11°10’49’’ and 7°36’20’’E at the Faculty of Agriculture, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Nigeria which falls under northern guinea savanna agroecology. Atmospheric temperature and relative humidity recorded during the course of the research were 23 – 39.5℃ and 10 – 28%, respectively. Irrigation and SMR factors at 100%, 75% and 50% levels and 0.00, 1.00, 2.00 mL and 3.00 mL m –2 rates, respectively, were laid out in a randomized complete block design. Soil temperature, soil moisture and relative humidity were monitored and recorded in-situ and growth and yield variables of the crops including plant height, stem girth, root length, total biomass and yield were measured. Statistical analyses on the generated data were conducted using R software. According to the results, 2.00 and 3.00mL m –2 SMR rates indicated promising potential for improving soil moisture, soil temperature, and growth and yield performances of the crops. Although 100% irrigation level demonstrated best performance, 75% level can serve as a water-saving alternative to 100%, especially in areas of acute water deficit or severe water demand competitiveness due to its comparable crop performance.
The soil along a toposequence in Isiagu, Eastern Nigeria was studied to establish its influence on soil properties and its relation to potential agricultural use. In order to characterize and classify the soil, three pedons were dug along the toposequence at the crest, middle slope and valley bottom. The soils were characterized in terms of their morphological, physical and chemical properties. The soils were generally medium to coarse textured. The distribution of clay content increased with soil depth for all pedons. The soils were strongly to moderately acid (pH 4.4 to 5.6). The highest concentration of organic carbon and organic matter occurred at the valley bottom and decreased with depth in all the pedons studied. Base saturation was low at the crest and middle slope and medium at the valley bottom. At the sub group level the soils at the crest were classified as Typic Hapludults (USDA) which correlated as Haplic Acrisols (FAO/UNESCO). The soils at the middle slope were classified as Typic Plinthudults (USDA) and Plinthic Acrisols (FAO/UNESCO). The valley bottom soils were classified as Histic Humaquepts (USDA) and Histic Cambisols (FAO/UNESCO). The soils at the middle slope and valley bottom were preferred for economic arable crop cultivation whereas the soils at the crest were most suited for forestry and wildlife. Strict measures to prevent soil erosion and replenish lost nutrients are required for enhanced productivity of these soils.
Phosphorus (P) availability in tropical soils is commonly restricted by strong fixation processes, mainly through adsorption onto iron and aluminum oxides and precipitation with calcium compounds, which significantly reduce its mobility and plant utilization. This study evaluated the effectiveness of chitosan-based biosorbents (nZvFe-CLCB) relative to conventional extractants (Bray-1 and Olsen) in assessing soil P availability, and their relationships with soil pH dynamics and maize performance under different P amendments. Soil samples from six locations in southwestern Nigeria were experimented under screenhouse conditions in a completely randomized design, with three treatments: single superphosphate (SSP), poultry manure (PM), and a control. Soil chemical properties, extractable P, electrical conductivity (EC), pH, maize dry matter weight (DMW), and P uptake were monitored over eight weeks after planting (WAP). Results showed Olsen extractant showed 11 to 15% higher P recovery than Bray-1 and nZvFe-CLCB in amended soils. Bray-1 extracted P was nZvFe-CLCB (0.732*) > Olsen (0.688*). Bray-1 had the strongest association with maize DMW (r² = 0.777*) and P uptake (r² = 0.820**), while soil pH had a strong influence on P availability across methods (up to r² = 0.851**). The finding concluded that nZvFe-CLCB extractant as an alternative extractant for Bray 1 in predicting plant-available P in tropical soils.
The indiscriminate use of pesticides for crop production in Nigeria has led to contamination of the environment. Specifically, soil contamination from pesticide residues, including banned compounds raises serious public and environmental health concerns. However, very little is known about the occurrence of pesticides in Nigerian soils. Therefore, this study investigated the occurrence and concentration of organochlorine, organophosphate, carbamate and pyrethroid pesticide residues in farm and farmers’ house compound soils at a depth of 0-20 cm. Soil pesticide residues were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A total of 41 pesticides were detected including; 14 organochlorine, 15 organophosphate, 9 carbamates and 3 pyrethroids. In maize crop soil, heptachlor, chlorpyrifos, carbofuran and cypermethrin were found having the highest concentrations (0.257±0.006, 8.567±0.907, 5.100±1.127 and 0.173±0.021 µg/kg, respectively). In cassava crop soil, endosulfan, pirimiphos-methyl, carbofuran and permethrin had the highest concentrations (2.300±0.200, 3.567±0.569, 0.467±0.176 and 0.223±0.038 µg/kg, respectively). While in the farmers’ house compound soil, heptachlor, pirimiphos-methyl, carbofuran and cypermethrin were found having the highest concentrations (0.165±0.007, 0.742±0.931, 0.225±0.050 and 0.076±0.020 µg/kg, respectively). Overall, the cumulative concentrations of the pesticides showed organochlorine and pyrethroid were higher in cassava crop soil while organophosphate and carbamate were higher in maize crop soil. This study revealed the use of highly (e.g., carbofuran) and moderately (e.g. chlorpyrifos) hazardous pesticides, as well as detection of extremely hazardous (e.g., oxamyl) and banned (e.g., endosulfan) pesticide residues. The results pointed out the use of multiple pesticides by farmers in this area, of which, some are highly hazardous. Overall, these findings underscore the need to restrict the use of highly hazardous pesticides in food crop production. The use of safer pesticide alternatives as well as remediation of the already contaminated soil environment are recommended.
Soil degradation is a worldwide concern that poses significant threats to the physical, chemical and biological conditions of soil leading to food insecurity and instability of ecosystems. Therefore, assessing and monitoring soil degradation especially in the teeming developing population countries such as Nigeria calls for urgent attention. Hence, in this study, randomized method was used in the collection of the soil samples with the aid of soil auger at two different depths (0 - 15 cm and 15 - 30 cm) across the studied area. The collected soil samples were processed and subjected to standard laboratory techniques to assess the soil conditions of the studied area. The results showed that particle size analysis of the studied soils were predominantly dominated with sandy clay loam textural class while soil pH ranging from strongly acidic to near neutral. On one hand, bulk density varied with the existing land use especially with built-up and continuous cropping areas occupying the most degraded soil properties when compared to that of the forested areas. Notably, chemical soil properties such as total nitrogen, available phosphorus, and potassium were below critical threshold levels particularly areas with the unchecked human activities. Consequently, the soil quality index analysis classed the soil of the area as moderately to poorly degraded soils connected to deforestation, continuous use of the land without adding appropriate fertilizer coupled with prevailing pressure of climate change actions. The findings underscore the urgent need for sustainable land use cover management practices, suggesting strict compliance with the Land Use Act in protecting the prevailing loss of vegetative cover of the studied area.
Poor soil fertility reduces the yield, market value, and sustainable production of cucumber. This study examined soil fertility practices among cucumber farmers in Ibadan. A purposive sampling method was used to select 10% of cucumber farmers from six blocks, namely Akinyele, Lagelu, Egbeda, OnaAra, Oluyole, and Iddo in Ibadan-Ibarapa agricultural zone, Oyo State. A structured questionnaire was administered to obtain information on the soil fertility practices used for cucumber production. The data collected were subjected to descriptive and inferential analysis. A total of 63 respondents were assessed; Akinyele block had the highest representation (20.6%), followed by Egbeda (19%), with Oluyole recording the lowest (11.1%). Improved soil fertility was the primary reason for fertiliser application, cited by 95.2% of farmers. NPK 15:15:15 fertiliser was used by 79.4% farmers, while 4.8% used goat manure. Over half (52.4%) applied fertiliser without prior soil testing; among those, 56.7% testing using physical examination, 26.7% used laboratory procedures, and 16.6% used both physical and laboratory test. Fertiliser were applied at 20g/plant and 10g/plant by 34.9% and 15.9% of farmers, respectively, regardless of cucumber variety or soil nutrient status. Additionally, 61.9% applied fertiliser without nutrient specificity. Fertiliser was applied twice per cropping season by 49.2% of farmers, and once by 30.2%. Socio-economic characteristics of farmers, such as formal training and years of farming experience, showed a significant correlation with soil testing (r = −0.27; r = −0.25). The findings indicated that cucumber farmers mainly used NPK 15:15:15 fertiliser to improve soil fertility, yet most applied it without prior soil testing or nutrient specificity. Formal training and farming experience did not improve fertiliser and soil testing adoption. Extension programmes should prioritise soil testing, and variety-specific fertiliser rates should be developed to improve nutrient management efficiency among cucumber farmers in Ibadan
Microplastic pollution in agricultural soils constitutes an emerging threat to food security, yet the interactive influence of soil texture and contamination intensity on crop productivity remains inadequately characterized. A 3 × 4 factorial pot experiment was conducted under controlled conditions at Bendeghe Ekiem, Cross River State, Nigeria, to evaluate the combined effects of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) microplastic contamination at four levels (0, 1, 5 and 10 g/kg) across three contrasting soil textures (Sandy Loam, Loamy Sand and Sandy Clay Loam) on selected soil hydraulic properties and the early growth of maize (Zea mays L.). Soil samples were collected from 0–15 cm depth, air-dried, sieved (2 mm) and characterized using standard laboratory procedures, while water retention parameters were derived using SPAW Hydrology software (version 6.02.74). Maize growth indices (plant height, stem girth, fresh biomass and leaf number) were recorded at four weeks after planting, and data were subjected to two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with treatment means separated using the Least Significant Difference (LSD) test at p < 0.05. Significant soil type × contamination level interactions were observed for permanent wilting point (LSD = 1.77), field capacity (LSD = 4.41), available water (LSD = 0.027), saturated hydraulic conductivity (LSD = 22.6) and hydraulic conductivity (LSD = 3.16 × 10⁻⁶). Sandy Loam recorded a 2.8-fold higher hydraulic conductivity (3.27 × 10⁻⁶ mm/hr) than Loamy Sand (1.17 × 10⁻⁶ mm/hr). Maize growth was significantly suppressed in Sandy Clay Loam (plant height = 27.55 cm; stem girth = 4.56 mm; biomass = 0.61 g) relative to Sandy Loam and Loamy Sand (p < 0.05). Interestingly, the highest contamination level (10 g/kg) produced increased stem girth (6.26 mm) and leaf number (7.61), suggesting possible adaptive responses or modifications in soil–plant water relations. The findings indicate that microplastic contamination disrupts soil hydraulic functioning in a texture-dependent manner, with finer-textured soils being more vulnerable to growth suppression. The non-linear dose–response pattern observed implies complex underlying mechanisms warranting further molecular-scale investigation. The study underscores the necessity for texture-specific soil quality thresholds in regulatory frameworks aimed at managing agricultural microplastic pollution in Nigeria and similar tropical agroecosystems.
Contamination from oil spills in Nigeria's Niger Delta has led to widespread co-contamination of soils with petroleum hydrocarbons and heavy metals, creating significant environmental and ecological problems. This research aimed to test the hydrocarbon-degrading capacity and heavy metal tolerance of indigenous soil heterotrophic bacteria isolated from oil-polluted sites in the Bere community in the Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State, and to assess their potential for bioremediation. The results of the physical and chemical analysis of the soils showed a pH range between 6.51 and 6.79 in the polluted soils as compared to 5.60 in the control soil; the organic carbon range was 2.9–3.18% in the polluted soils and 2.50% in the control soil. The mean concentration of copper and Iron in the polluted soil was 199.5 and 143.6 mg/kg, respectively. The total heterotrophic bacterial (THB) counts ranged from 2.8 × 10⁵ to 3.4 × 10⁵ CFU/g, and the hydrocarbon-utilizing bacterial (HUB) counts ranged from 6.7 × 10⁵ to 8.8 × 10⁵ CFU/g. Potential for degradation of hydrocarbons was determined by the 2,6- dichlorophenolindophenol (DCPIP) reduction assay in Bushnell–Haas broth containing 1% crude oil after 144 hours. Among the sixteen isolates characterized, Salmonella spp (DJ15) and Proteus spp (DJ16) showed exceptional capability for hydrocarbon degradation. Heavy metal tolerance assays with Fe³⁺ and Cu²⁺ revealed different resistance profiles, with isolates JD14 and JD16 being very high copper-tolerant. The results suggest that indigenous bacteria from oil-polluted soils may possess hydrocarbon-degrading and heavy-metal tolerance traits that may be useful for future bioremediation applications.
This study was conducted in 2023 at the University of Maiduguri farmland, Dalori, Konduga Local Government Area, Borno State, Northeastern Nigeria (latitudes 11°46.758′–11°47.116′ N, longitudes 13°12.744′–13°13.188′ E) to characterize the soils of the area. Morphological and physico-chemical properties of twenty-seven (27) soil samples were analyzed from identified genetic horizons of six (6) pedons within one (1) soil mapping unit (DL), which was subdivided into three phases (DL I, DL II, DL III). The soils were very deep, well-drained, with textures ranging from sandy loam to sandy clay loam, and sub-angular blocky structure in most phases. Soil color varied from dark brown to dull orange, with clear horizon differentiation between the Ap and B horizons. Bulk density was low (0.87–1.25 g/cm³), increasing irregularly with depth, while total porosity decreased down the profile. Soil reaction ranged from strongly acidic to moderately alkaline (pH 5.43–8.25). Exchangeable bases were low to high (Ca²⁺: 1.20–5.40, Mg²⁺: 0.80–4.00, K⁺: 0.01–0.74, Na⁺: 0.04–0.44 cmol/kg), occurring in the order Mg²⁺ > Ca²⁺ > Na⁺ > K⁺, indicating moderate nutrient status. Base saturation was high (77.53–94.72%). Organic carbon (2.00–6.20 g/kg), total nitrogen (0.70–1.70 g/kg), and available phosphorus (7.35–17.15 mg/kg) were generally low to medium. Electrical conductivity was low (0.04–0.55 dS/m), classifying the soils as non-saline. Overall, fertility status was constrained by low organic matter, nitrogen, and phosphorus. Soil productivity could be improved through incorporation of crop residues and farmyard manure, reduced tillage, contour ridging, and application of recommended fertilizer rates for sustainable crop production.
Cultivation of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is on the increase in Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State in response to increasing demands. However, nutrient deficiency and insect pests are major constraints to cultivation. This study determined the poultry manure (PM) rate required for optimum growth, fruit yield and reduced pest infestation on cucumber from field trials carried out in Sedfort Farms, Ogbe-Eruku (7o 00’ N 3o 47’ E) between July and September 2023 for first planting (FP) and between October and December 2023 for residual planting (RP). Trials were laid out in a randomized complete block design with four replicates. The PM was applied at 0, 5, 10 and 15 t ha-1 on the plots. Data collected on growth between 2 and 8 weeks after planting, as well as data on fruiting were subjected to Analysis of Variance. Significantly different treatment means (P≤ 0.05) were separated using Least Significant Difference at 5% probability level. In both trials, cucumber treated with 10 or 15 t ha-1 PM had longer vines, higher number of leaves and wider average leaf area than no PM. Cucumber that received 10 or 15 t ha-1 PM had higher yield per hectare than no PM in FP (50.25% or 52.19%) and in RP (50.20% or 69.66%) respectively. Cucumber that received 0 or 5 tha-1 PM in RP, had the least insect population density (IPD) while 10 or 15 tha-1 PM treatments had higher IPD, with 46.03% or 49.21%, respectively. Leaf damage was least for unfertilized cucumber. Plants treated with 5, 10 and 15 t ha-1 PM had leaf damage of 62.41%, 70.43% and 102.41% in FP and 60.47%, 57.27% and 70.49% in RP, respectively. Optimum cucumber fruit yield was from application of PM at 10 t ha-1. This study concluded that application of PM at 10 t ha-1 could be adopted for reduced insect pests’ infestation and optimum cucumber growth and yield fruit production in Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State and environments with similar climate.
The effects of different application rates, particle sizes, and incubation periods of basalt dust on the selected physical properties of contrasting soils incubated for 90-day was evaluated in this study. A factorial arrangement with a 4×2×4 completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications was adopted. Air-dried and sieved soil samples collected from Auchi and Agbede town were treated each with basalt dust from Ikpeshi quarry at the rate of 0, 5, 10, and 15t/ha and particle sizes of ≤63µm and ≤125µm fractions. The treatment of soil with basalt dust was significant at (p < 0.05) by altering the repacked bulk density, particle density, porosity, and temperature of the soil. The repacked bulk density increased from 1.39 to 1.71 g cm-³ for Auchi loamy sand and 1.16 to 1.43 g cm-³ for Agbede silty loam, while values of 2.27–2.62 g cm-³ and 2.04–2.52 g cm-³ were evaluated for their particle densities, respectively. Slight improvement in soil porosity was recorded for loamy sand soil of Auchi (42.29%) and silty loam soil of Agbede (47.62%) at 5 – 10 t ha-1 rate of basalt dust. During the incubation period, the average soil temperature rose gradually from about 28.3°C to 31.2°C. The Duncan’s Multiple Range Test and three-way ANOVA showed that both the main and interaction effects of basalt parameters considered were significant on the selected soils’ physical properties. The findings revealed that basalt dust can be used as soil amendment, helping to improve soil microclimate and physical properties’ stability.
The growth and overall health of a tree can be negatively impacted by various contaminants, and the specific concentration at which these effects occur can differ from one tree species to another, as well as between different contaminants. This study aimed to explore the phytoremediation potential of Tectona grandis, Gmelina arborea, Shorea roxburghii, Terminalia ivorensis, and Terminalia superba in soils contaminated with heavy metals from the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN) in Ibadan, Oyo State, and Ijebu-Igbese in Ogun State. The heavy metals analyzed included copper, zinc, manganese, lead, and cadmium. The soil was contaminated at three different levels: double the permissible level (twice the tolerable limit in soil) with cadmium at 0.006 g/kg, copper at 0.2 g/kg, lead at 0.4 g/kg, zinc at 0.6 g/kg, and manganese at 6 g/kg, triple the permissible level (three times the tolerable limit) with cadmium at 0.009 g/kg, copper at 0.3 g/kg, lead at 0.6 g/kg, zinc at 0.9 g/kg, and manganese at 9 g/kg, and a control group with no contamination. Particle size analysis revealed that the soil was loamy sand with a pH range of 5.69 to 6.44. Gmelina arborea exhibited significantly greater height (176.00 cm) and collar diameter (29.78 mm) compared to the other species, while Terminalia ivorensis produced a higher number of leaves. In conclusion, Gmelina arborea seems to demonstrate a greater tolerance to higher levels of contamination than the other species studied, indicating that it may have a natural ability to adapt to adverse conditions.
Heavy metal levels in soils may result in heavy metal entry into the food chain, the study aimed at accessing concentration of heavy metals (Cd, Ni, Pb) in soils, Talinium triangulare and C. argentea leaf grown along Temboga Riverbank. Surface (0-15 cm) soil, T. triangulare and C. argentea leaf samples were collected randomly from Temboga Riverbank (RB), 60 meters from RB (60MRB) and 120 meters from RB (120MRB) in three replicates, making a total of nine soil, nine T. triangulare and nine C. argentea leaves samples. The soil, T. triangulare and C. argentea leaves samples were analyzed for some heavy metal properties using standard laboratory methods. The result showed that Cd contents of the soils was highest (0.19 mg kg-1) at 60MRB, however the levels of soil Cd and Ni, where still within tolerance levels in other locations. The results also showed that Cd content of 0.93 mg kg-1 obtained for T. triangulare leaf at 60 MRB have reached toxic level,s while the Cd content of T. triangulare leaf at RB (0.77 mg/kg) and 120MRB (0.77 mg/kg) could reach toxic levels in a short time. The Ni levels of T. triangulare and C. argentea leaves have exceeded permissible limit with values of 4.42, 2.32, 2.22 mg kg-1 and 2.88, 2.88, 2.72 mg kg-1 recorded at RB, 60MRB, 120MRB respectively. The vegetables (T. triangulare and C. argentea) leaves could be said to contains toxic levels of Ni and thus unfit for human consumption.
This study assessed the cultivation potential of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) along Gurumpawo toposequence, Ganye, Adamawa State, using the parametric square root method (SRM) and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Sustainable groundnut production in the area is threatened by declining soil fertility and topographic variability, while site-specific suitability information for precision land management remains inadequate. In addition, limited studies have compared the performance and spatial reliability of conventional parametric and multi-criteria decision models for groundnut suitability assessment across the toposequence. This study determined selected soil properties and compared the spatial outputs of SRM and AHP models for sustainable land-use planning. A digital elevation model was used to delineate crest, upper, middle, and lower slopes, as well as floodplain units within a 100 ha landscape using ArcGIS 10.7.1. Soil samples were analyzed for texture, pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon, available phosphorus, total nitrogen, cation exchange capacity, and base saturation. Suitability assessment was conducted using SRM based on profile data, whereas AHP utilized auger-based spatial datasets. Spatial comparisons of suitability class geometries and area coverage were performed on ArcGIS, and the agreement between the two models was tested using Pearson’s Chi-square (X2). Soils across the toposequence were characterized by low fertility, with organic carbon (
A randomized complete block design experiment was conducted for two years, two locations per year and three months per location with three replications. The rates of dried, milled pure poultry and sheep manures incorporated per location at the onset of the research were 0, 30 and 60 % N. Initial soils and manures were analyzed for macro nutrients. Soil samples collected weekly, bi-weekly and monthly at soil depths (0 – 5, 5 – 10, 10 – 20 and 20 – 40 cm) for (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 6th, 8th and 12th weeks) were analyzed for total nitrogen (g kg-1) using standard procedures. Applied poultry and sheep manures increased soil total N compared with control. Across the soil depths, soil total N contents decreased. Highest application of manures improved soil total N with the trend of P60S30 > P60S0 > P30S0 > P60S60. Consequently, this research revealed that addition of poultry and sheep manures at 60 and 30 % N improved the soil total N. Further research is recommended to check this fact.
The ubiquitous consumption and indiscriminate disposal of sachet water plastics across Nigeria have exacerbated environmental degradation, particularly affecting soil health in agricultural landscapes. Recent studies reveal that polyethylene-based microplastics, which dominate sachet water waste, can significantly alter soil structure, reduce porosity, and limit microbial diversity, thereby degrading soil functionality (Ahmad, H. A., Abdullahi, A., & Bugaje, M. A., 2024, Wang et al., 2022, Zhou et al., 2023). This study investigates the impact of these non-biodegradable plastics on the soil infiltration capacity of farmlands in Gwagwalada, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria. Employing a double-ring infiltrometer in controlled field settings, infiltration rates were measured in both littered and non-littered agricultural plots. The results showed a marked reduction in infiltration capacity in the littered plots. Specifically, infiltration rates ranged from 1.2 mm/hr to 0.12 mm/hr in non-littered plots, whereas rates in littered plots ranged from 0.96 mm/hr to 0.12 mm/hr. These reductions suggest that plastic waste interferes with soil water dynamics by obstructing infiltration pathways and promoting soil compaction. Furthermore, the accumulation of plastics on farmlands can inhibit root penetration, reduce microbial enzymatic activity, and potentially impair plant growth and crop yield. The study underscores an urgent need for the development and implementation of sustainable plastic waste management policies, farmer education, and community-level recycling programs to safeguard soil health, ensure agricultural sustainability, and mitigate long-term environmental risks in peri-urban farming regions.
Effective soil management and conservation may be impossible without accurate soil characterization, classification and interpretation in relation to particular crop requirements. Proper management of soils is therefore indispensable because of its linkage to environmental protection, hunger eradication/food security, economic growth and poverty reduction among others. Research efforts on soil characterization, classification and suitability assessment for perennial crops are accumulating and have created opportunity for an extensive summary and future perspectives. The review shows that southwestern Nigerian soils underlain by metamorphic rocks of the Basement complex have been grouped into eight associations. Nigeria's southern soils consist of sandstone-siltstone intercalation, shale, basalt and basement complex material. The findings also demonstrated that while the Nigerian soils were moderate to marginally suitable, they had the potential to be highly suitable for growing different perennial crops provided the inherent limitations are taken care of. The dominant soil limitations recurring across the ecological zones include low fertility, unfavourable texture, slope, low CEC/ECEC, and dry season. Information on land evaluation for perennial crops in Northern part of the nation is limited. Thus, further studies should be carried out in the area with a view to encouraging establishment of tree crops by farmers. It was concluded that inadequate knowledge on suitability evaluation could lead to farmers cultivating soils that are unsuitable for their crops. Therefore, soil characterization and evaluation before crop production is very much recommended to avoid poor agronomic practices, excessive production costs, and low yields.
This study investigates the properties and variability of selected pedons in Wukari, Nigeria, focusing on their characterization and classification. Field soil profile description and laboratory analyses were conducted to assess morphological, physical, and chemical properties. Soil samples were collected from identified horizons and analyzed for selected properties. Genetic classification was performed, and statistical procedures such as correlation and Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) were applied to examine soil property relationships and horizon differentiation. Morphological analysis revealed variations in horizon depth and color, with Ap horizons exhibiting darker colors and shallower depths in Pedon 2 (14 cm) compared to Pedons 1 and 3 (20–22 cm). Textural analysis showed a transition from sandy loam in surface horizons to sandy clay loam in Bt horizons, indicating clay translocation. Bulk density increased with depth (1.21–1.45 Mg m-3), while porosity declined due to compaction. Organic carbon and total nitrogen were highest in Ap horizons (10.9 - 14.40 g kg-1 and 1.17 – 1.31 g kg-1 respectively) and decreased with depth. High base saturation (>85%) across all horizons indicated strong nutrient retention. The soils were classified as Alfisols (Typic Haplustalfs and Typic Paleustalfs) in the USDA system, corresponding to Haplic Luvisols in the FAO system. Key classification indicators included the presence of an argillic horizon and base saturation exceeding 50%. Statistical analysis effectively differentiated soil horizons, with sodium content and total nitrogen as key discriminants. The LDA model achieved 81.82% accuracy, emphasizing the importance of horizon-specific management for sustainable soil use even in planar surfaces.
Population growth, food demand, and low farm income drive landuse intensification and encroachment into protected areas. Landuse intensification within protected landscapes alters soil physical and chemical properties with implications for ecosystem stability. This study quantified soil variability across four land-use types (LUTs): long-term reserved forest (>10 years; RAG), recently reclaimed reserve (10 years; SZCG), and recently cultivated support zone (
