Evaluation of available micro nutrients status of sandy loam soils of Gujba, Yobe State, Nigeria

Abstract

A study was conducted in Gujba Local Government Area located in the southern part of Yobe state to evaluate the available micro nutrients status of sandy loam soils of Gujba. The drive towards self-sufficiency in food production through the adoption of more scientific intensive agricultural systems has necessitated the evaluation of the nutrient status of soils; most especially the micronutrients which had hitherto been neglected. Thus, thirteen locations were purposely selected to represent Gujba Local Government Area. In each location a total of 26 composite samples were collected using augers at two depth intervals of 0 to 15 and 15 to 30 cm. At each depth, 5 samples were collected and composited. Standard laboratory procedures were followed to determine the physio-chemical properties of the samples. Descriptive statistics (mean values) of soil parameters were computed and employed to compare the results with the relevant findings. Results obtained from this study indicate that the soils were generally sandy to loamy sand in texture, slightly acidic and low in organic carbon with low to medium contents of exchangeable bases and cation exchange capacity (CEC). Cu was found to be in the medium category while Zn was generally low. However, the soils contained Fe and Mn above the critical limits for crop production and categorized as “high”. This might be a potential environmental problem as they may, upon complex reactions, result in the formation of plinthite- /- petroplinthite leading to hard pan formation; restricting rooting depth and causing infiltration and drainage problem in the soil. For sustainable arable crop production on the soils studied, there is therefore the need for application of organic matter to improve the overall fertility of the soil and to reduce the possible development of plinthic/petroplinthic layers and to formulate organo-mineral amendments that would enhance in particular, Zn availability.