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ABSTRACT
Magnesium (Mg) is required for many physiological and biochemical processes in plant and soil. Mg is essential for proper growth and development of plant.
The study was conducted on twelve (12) soil sample collected from four depths in three replications from Kulfu soil series of Nigeria Institute for Oil palm Research (NIFOR). The sample were air dried, passed through 2 mm sieve and analyzed for some soil physical and chemical properties using standard procedures. The forms of and distribution of Mg was determined by sequential fractionation. Statistical analysis was carried out using Genstat statistical package, while treatment means were separated using Duncan multiple range test at P < 0.05.
The result showed that the soils were predominately sandy with clay increasing with increased soil depths. The chemical properties were within normal levels suitable for crop growth depending on management practices. The result also showed that various forms of Mg were distributed with total Mg form occurring in the highest amount. The total Mg had mean values of 64.29, 63.21, 62.85 and 63.15 for 0-30 cm, 30- 60 cm, 60- 90 cm and 90 – 120 cm soil depth respectively. The water soluble and exchangeable magnesium which is the form of Mg readily utilized by plant had mean values of 0.39 and 0.13 cmol/kg respectively. The correlation coefficient shows that the various forms of magnesium significantly correlated both positively and negatively with some soils properties. The forms of magnesium also significantly correlated amongst one and another. Forms and distribution of magnesium is important in quantifying the available Mg content of a soil. It is also important in discerning the availability of magnesium for crop production.
