Growth and Yield Performance of Azadirachta Indica A. Juss Seedlings in a Spent Engine Oil Contaminated Soil at Jericho, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Soil contamination is a growing concern in many African countries including Nigeria, leading to nutrient deficiencies and toxicities that impact crop growth and reduced yield. Hence, the objective of this paper was to evaluate the growth and yield performance of Azadirachta indica A. Juss seedlings in a spent engine oil contaminated soil at Jericho, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria using appropriate standard methods. Results obtained for growth parameters indicate that collar diameters were significant at 3Weeks after Transplanting (WAT), number of leaves was significant at 2-6 WAT while plant height reveals that 3-6WAT were also significant when compared the control (No treatment). Total biomass results showed no significant difference between the root and the stem and the heavy metals in the spent engine oil are low ranging from slight to severe contamination (Fe < Pb < Cd < Cu < Zn). In conclusion, Azadirachta indica A. Juss's seedlings responses reveals that the plant can be used to monitor and manage contaminated locations while taking the toxicity stress of engine oil suspension concentration into consideration.