Abuja Journal of Agriculture and Environment (AJAE)
SOIL FERTILITY STATUS AND AVAILABILITY OF MICRONUTRIENTS IN SOILS OF JALINGO, NORTH EASTERN Nigeria
Author(s): Tahir, A. M., Bapetel, U., Ibrahim, A. Buba, M. L. and Jungudo, B.
Volume/Issue: Volume 2 , Issue 1 (2022)
ABSTRACT:
Research was conducted in 2021 on Teaching and Research Farm, Taraba State College of Agriculture Jalingo. Using grid system the area was divided in three sections. Ten composite samples were taken from each of the sections and analysed for physical, chemical and micronutrient contents. The top soil was predominantly sandy with highest mean of exceeding 90%. The soil has large pore spaces with low water holding capacity. Soil reaction was slightly acidic to neutral with the overall mean of 6.44 recorded in section A. Electrical conductivity was low in all the three sections and less than 0.4dSm-1, similarly all the sections were low in organic carbon (8.06gkg-1) and total nitrogen (0.88gkg-1), but medium in available phosphorus (8.30mgkg-1), exchangeable bases (8.02cmolkg-1) and high in percentage base saturation(82.14%). Highest mean of copper (1.26mgkg-1), iron (3.53mgkg-1), manganese (3.48mgkg-1) and Zinc(2.41mgkg-1) were all recorded in section A of the study area. The fertility status of the soil could be rated from low to medium. For sustainable production of staple crops, combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizers (integrated nutrient management) could be recommended.