Micro Nutrient Status of the Fresh Water Swamp at the Nifor Outstation, Otegbo

Abstract

Micronutrient status of the Fresh Water Swamp at the NIFOR Raphia hookeri outstation, Otegbo was studied. Samples were obtained from mini pits sunk at two plantations in the study area. The collected samples were air-dried at room temperature for seven days and analyzed for micronutrients (Zn, Cu, Fe, Cl Mn) and physico-chemical properties in the laboratory using standard methods. The results showed that Zn decreased significantly in plantation1 but decreased not significantly in plantation2. Cu and Cl decreased not significantly in plantation 1 and increased not significantly in plantation 2 while Fe and Mn increased significantly with increased depth in both plantations. Changes in the soil environment as influenced by soil pH and organic carbon greatly influenced the availability of these micronutrients as observed in the positive correlation of soil pH with Zn and Cu in plantation 1 with r = 0.064 and 0.063 respectively; Fe and Mn in plantation 1 with (r = 0.638, p<0.05) and (r = 0.692, p<0.05) respectively. Organic carbon and Zn in plantation 1 with (r= 0.706, p<0.05) and Cl with r = 0.291. Detailed studies are however needed to determine the rates, types and frequency of application of these micronutrients.

Keywords: Micronutrients, Raphia hookeri, Otegbo