Authors : Henry Ifeanyi Anozie and Onyinyechi Jas Kamalu
Abstract: Soil test-based fertility management is indispensable for sustainable soil management. This investigation was conducted to evaluate the soil fertility status of selected pedons formed on the basement complex in Oyo State, Southwestern Nigeria. A total of 37 soil samples were collected at depth of 0-30 cm and analysed for routine parameters following standard procedures. The statuses of the following parameters were determined: texture, organic carbon, pH, N, K, Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Cu, Zn, Cu and Mn. The observed data revealed that the sand content was 71±10.72%, silt: 8±4% while clay was 21±6.42%. The textural class for the soils fall within sandy loam, sandy clay loam and loamy sand. The soil was moderately acidic (pH: 6.02±0.09). The organic carbon (10.9±1.59%) total N (0.16±0.02%), K (0.98±0.013 Cmol kg–1), Ca (4.84±0.43 Cmol kg–1) and P (11.80±1.91 mg kg–1) were low to moderate in status. Based on nutrient index classification, the Cu content (7.08±0.73 mg kg–1), Zn (11.46±0.52 mg kgG )1 and Na (0.63±0.06 Cmol kgG )1 exhibited moderate status. In addition, Mn (104.49±3.26 Cmol kg–1) and Mg (3.2±0.16 Cmol kg–1) were high in status. Furthermore, available Fe (143.82±5.61 mg kg–1) was very high in status. The results showed that most of the nutrient elements were moderate to high in the soils. Therefore, proper nutrient management strategy should be adopted in order to maintain optimal yield of crops in the area.
Henry Ifeanyi Anozie and Onyinyechi Jas Kamalu, 2019. Assessment of Fertility Status of Some Pedons on Basement Complex in the Forest Ecological Zone of Southwestern Nigeria. Agricultural Journal, 14: 1-6.