Assessment of physicochemical properties and mineral compositions of forest nursery soils at Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Nigeria

Abstract

Forest nursery soils at two different depths were investigated at Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta (FUNAAB) for their physicochemical properties and mineral compositions as soil quality indicator. Soil samples were collected randomly from twenty (20) different points in two sites (site 1 and 2) within the same location at different depths (0-15cm and 15-30cm) with soil auger, air dried and taken to the laboratory for further analysis. Data obtained were subjected to descriptive statistics as well as analysis of variance (ANOVA). Level of soil pH was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in site 1 at both depths. Similarly, the level of soil pH was significantly higher at 15 – 30 cm depth when compared within each site. At 0 – 15 cm soil depth, all physicochemical properties except Total Nitrogen, Bulk Density and sand were significantly different (p > 0.05) between sites 1 and 2. Level of Potassium was higher than other macronutrients (K>Mg>Na>Ca) at both 0 – 15 cm and 15 – 30 cm soil depths when compared between sites. Trace micronutrients were significantly higher in site 2 than site 1 at 0 – 15 cm soil depth and the trend is as follows Fe>Zn>Mn>Cu. At soil depth 15 – 30 cm, levels of copper, zinc and manganese were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in site 1 than site 2 and the order of concentration include Cu>Fe>Zn>Mn. The study showed that forest nursery soils varied in their mineral composition and physicochemical properties in the studied sites.