Abstract

This experiment was conducted in the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeriawith the goal of ascertaining the macronutrient status of four distinct land use patterns at two different soil depth (0-15 cm and 15-30 cm). A soil auger was used to collect soil samples at three distinct locations within each of the four land use types—arable, commercial, forest and residential—at depths of 0 to 15 cm and 15 to 30 cm. Samples of soil were brought to the laboratory to be examined using a variety of common laboratory techniques. Particle size distribution, pH, total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (N), accessible phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (M), and sodium (Na) are a few of the factors that were examined. The acquired data were split into means using Duncan's multiple range test (DMRT) at p<0.05 and then subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA).

The analysis reveals significant variations in pH, total organic carbon (TOC), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) across various land uses and soil depths. pH levels varied among land uses and depths, with forest land (5.61) exhibiting the highest acidity at the surface and arable land (6.89) showing neutral pH. TOC and N levels were highest in forest land (19.67 and 0.93 g/kg respectively), while P levels were highest in commercial land (18.13 mg/kg). K content was generally moderate but higher in forest land (0.42 cmol/kg). Ca content was highest in commercial land (1.23 cmol/kg), while Mg content was highest in commercial land (0.40 cmol/kg) at the surface. Texture analysis indicated similar textural classes across land uses, with variations in sand, silt, and clay fractions. These findings underscore the influence of land use on soil properties and provide insights for sustainable land management practices.