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ABSTRACT
Soil micronutrients are essential for plant growth and ecosystem sustainability, yet their availability is significantly influenced by parent materials and environmental factors such as acid rain. The impact of acid rain on soil micronutrient dynamics in Coastal Plain Sand (CPS) parent materials remains underexplored, particularly in tropical regions like Nigeria. This study investigates the variation and availability of iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) in CPS soils as influenced by acid rain at the University of Benin, Nigeria. Soil and rainwater samples were collected from three locations at two depths (0–30 cm and 30–60 cm) and analyzed for physicochemical properties and micronutrient concentrations. Results showed significant depth and location-dependent variations in micronutrient availability. Surface soils (0–30 cm) had higher mean concentrations of Fe (69.99 mg/kg), Mn (13.89 mg/kg), Cu (26.70 mg/kg), and Zn (20.04 mg/kg) compared to subsurface soils (30–60 cm), where mean concentrations were Fe (58.66 mg/kg), Mn (9.41 mg/kg), Cu (18.61 mg/kg), and Zn (14.50 mg/kg). These trends highlight the influence of acid rain on micronutrient mobility and leaching. Soil pH was significantly lower at deeper depths (mean 5.00) than surface soils (mean 5.68), further contributing to micronutrient depletion. Strong correlations were observed between organic carbon and micronutrient availability, with organic matter content decreasing from 15.50 g/kg at 0–30 cm to 10.03 g/kg at 30–60 cm, influencing nutrient retention. The study underscores the negative impact of acid rain on soil fertility by enhancing the leaching of essential micronutrients, thereby reducing their bioavailability. To mitigate these effects, management strategies such as liming to neutralize soil acidity and organic amendments to enhance nutrient retention are recommended. This research provides critical insights into soil nutrient dynamics, contributing to improved soil management practices for sustainable agriculture and environmental resilience.
