Assessment of Some Micronutrient (Zn and Cu) Status of Fadama Soils under Cultivation in Bauchi, Nigeria

Abstract

The status of Zn and Cu of two fadama soils under cultivation at Lushi and Federal Low-cost Housing Estate in Bauchi, Nigeria were determined between February and June, 2012. A total of 30 composite soil samples were collected from 0-15cm, 15-30cm and 30-45cm depths from purposively selected representative locations in the study area and analyzed using standard procedures. Particle size distribution of the soils showed clay loam texture. Soil pH was strongly acidic with mean values of 5.36 and 5.59 for Lushi and Federal Low-cost soils, respectively. Low levels of organic carbon (OC), available P, and exchangeable bases were observed. Though, soil content of Zn and Cu were low, values increased significantly (p<0.05) with soil depths at both Lushi and Federal Low-cost locations. The low mean values of these micronutrients at both Lushi (Zn=1.36mgKg^-1; Cu=0.83mgKg^-1) and Federal Low-cost (Zn=1.32mgKg^-1; Cu=0.83mgKg^-1) implied that soil amendments of Zn and Cu and/or application of appropriate quantities of key nutrient elements would enhance their availability for optimum yields of crops for the resource-poor farmer in the study area.

Keywords: Micro nutrients, zinc, copper, fadama soils