ASSESSMENT OF SOIL FERTILITY STATUS IN SOME AREAS OF KOGI EAST AGROECOLOGICAL ZONE OF KOGI STATE (pp. 56-62)
ABSTRACT
The objective of the study is to access soil fertility status in some selected areas of Kogi East agro-ecological zone. A total of nine (9) soil samples were randomly collected at a depth of 0-20 cm from each LGA in Kogi East. The samples were subjected to physicochemical analyses. The result showed that pH which ranged from 4.9 – 6.4 was within the critical level of 5.0 – 6.8 for crop production. However two locations, Shintaku (pH 4.9) and Ugwolawo (pH 4.6), which are strongly acid soils should be limed. The soils are low in salinity values of <250 µmho/cm. The content of exchangeable cations was moderate. The exchangeable acidity were very low as the sum of Al3+ and H+ were not up to 4 cmol/kg. The base saturations were very high above 80% which indicate the presence of basic nutrients. The result of trace element also revealed that they were normal and moderate. However, the soil in Ibaji LGA with 53.01 ppm of Cu concentrations is very high which is toxic to plant and microorganisms. Soil of Kogi East agro-ecological zone offers great potentials for cassava and tree crops production due to its high base saturation.