Acid extractable mocronutrients (Mn and Zn) in selected soils of vegetable producing areas of Kwara State, Nigeria

Abstract

Consequently upon reports of Zinc (Zn) deficiency in some parts of Kwara State in the Guinea Savanna ecological zone of Nigeria, surface soil samples were analysed for native Manganese (Mn) and Zn contents of selected soils in Ilorin, Kwara State of Nigeria. Acid (0.1M HCl) extractable contents were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results show acute deficiency of Zn and less than sufficient Mn levels in the soils studied. (0.003 to 0.08cmol/kg soil for Zn and 0.05 to 0.75cmol/kg soil for Mn). The critical levels for arable crop production, including vegetable production, are 0.5cmol Zn/kg and soil 0.9cmol Mn/kg soil respectively. The implications of these results are discussed.

Keywords: vegetables, manganese, zinc, critical levels

Nigerian Journal of Horticultural Science Vol. 9 2005: 116-119