PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF FARMED SOILS FORMED FROM COASTAL PLAIN SAND PARENT MATERIAL

ABSTRACT

The physicochemical properties of farmed soils formed from coastal plain sand parent material for agricultural productivity were studied. The investigation was carried out in two areas: UNIBEN and NIFOR, Edo State to evaluate the different between the two farms soil formed from coastal plain sand parent material. The depth selection was carried out through Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Plant parameters measured were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using Genstat 8^th Edition while Duncan’s new multiple range test was used to separate the means at 5% level of probability. The dominant particle size in both farmed coastal plain soil were sandy loam texture. The total organic carbon content in coastal plain soil was lower in UNIBEN soil than NIFOR soil. Available phosphorus in the studied soils were high in UNIBEN and NIFOR coastal plain soil with NIFOR soil depth ranging from 60 – 120 cm having the highest. The calcium content obtained for both coastal plain soils were all above the critical limit of (>1.0) cmol/kg. Although, magnesium content was high in both coastal plain soils but slightly above the critical value of 0.2-0.4 cmol/kg when compared. Coastal plain soils of UNIBEN were below (>0.2 cmolkg-1) critical level of K, while that of NIFOR were within the critical value range. Also, Na in NIFOR soil were above 0.3 cmol/kg while that of UNIBEN were below the limit, but are adequate for cultivation of arable and tree crops. The hydrogen content in UNIBEN farm is higher in topsoil’s, although generally both soils have high content value. In NIFOR soils aluminium content was only found in two soil depth, while in UNIBEN farmed soil, none was present. With the results observed, it is therefore recommended that the farming activities carried out in coastal plain sand parent materials should be accompanied with fertilizer or organic manure application to help improve the soil nutrient content for plant uptake. It is also recommended that sustainable soil management practices such as mulching and the use of cover crops should be encouraged to avoid leaching.