STATUS OF POTASSIUM IN SOILS OF OIL PALM PLANTATION (Elaies guineensis jacq.)

ABSTRACT

This Study was conducted to ascertain the status of potassium in soils in Songhai Oil Palm Plantation, Amukpe farm project, in Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State Nigeria. Soil samples were collected from five pedons pit (1 - 5). The soil samples were analysed for soil texture, pH, organic carbon, Total nitrogen, available P, exchanageble bases and forms of K. The results shown that for the chemical properties and forms of K the A horizons show higher significant values (P< 0.05) compared to the lower horizons. Soil K forms correlated with selected soil properties especially OM, Na, Ca, Mg, clay, sand and silt. The total form of K in soil ranged from 1.80 to 2.74 mg/kg, 1.08 to 1.33 mg/kg, 2.55 to 3.56 mg/kg, 1.65 to 2.24 mg/kg and 1.82 to 2.26 mg/kg.  In general, variations in soil K forms suggests the imperative for regular K evaluation to guide against environmental K pollution and for promotion of sustainable K fertilizer use in soils of varying land use types. The forms of K show same trend. It was observed the study area show deficiency in total K.