Characterization of wetland soils of Zarama, Bayelsa state, Nigeria, in relation to iron and manganese distribution

Abstract

This study investigated the soil properties of Zarama, Bayelsa state, Nigeria in relation to iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) distribution, between October and December, 2005. Four soil profile pits representing varying creek water influences were studied. The soils have acquic moisture and isohyperthermic temperature regimes. Results showed that silt and clay dominated in all profiles with total sand being least, ranging from 20-310 g kg- 1 in profile 1. Soil pH was slightly acidic in the site (pH CaCl2 = 5.0-6.9). Organic carbon was highest in profile 3 (22-150 g kg- 1). There were higher values of Fe in wetter profile pits unlike Mn. Crystalline Fe (Fe d) was more abundant than amorphous Fe (Fe o). Total iron was significantly correlated with fine earth (r=0.80; p = 0.01; n = 26), total sand (r = - 0.76) silt (r = 0.63) and clay (r= - 0.88). Total manganese correlated significantly with fine earth (r=0.64), total sand (r = 0.52), silt (r = 0.46) and clay (r = 0.67).


Keywords: Wetland, farming gleysation, marshland, iron, manganese, tropical soils

IJOTAFS Vol. 1 (1) 2007: pp. 80-86