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ABSTRACT
The research was conducted at the Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR), Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. The objective of the study was to assess the physical and chemical properties of soil under a three year old palm plantation. Soil samples were collected at two soil depths (0-30; 30-60) from three locations to cover the extensive variations in the soils of the study area. The collected samples were further air dried at room temperature and taken to the laboratory for analyzed for soil properties analysis using standard methods. The results of the analysis indicate the soil is sandy loam, however the sand, silt and clay content was not significantly different at the various soil depths. soil pH value of surface layer and subsoil is acidic with mean values of 4.75 and 4.77 respectively and the was no significant difference between the soils at the various depth . Total nitrogen decrease with increasing depths and falls within the critical value recommended for crop growth while Organic Carbon reduced with increasing depth and the highest mean value obtained at surface layer indicating more organic matter content at the top soil. The mean of both depths shows available soil P was rated as high and reduced with increasing depth. The mean values of Exchangeable bases (K, Ca, Mg, and Na) are generally low; however, K mean value are same at both depths, Ca and Na increase with increasing depths while Mg decrease with increase depth. Zinc, Manganese and Copper decreased with increased soil depth while Iron increased with increased soil depth; they was no significant difference for their mean values at the various soil depth. furthermore, the result obtained indicates that the study field is adequate in soil micronutrients. However, deliberate application of macronutrients in inorganic forms coupled with Composted Empty Fruit Bunches to soils of the study area is suggested as possible ways of improving the low contents of exchangeable bases of the soils.
