AI Summary & Key Takeaways
AI InsightResults showed that upland soils ranged from sandy loam to sandy clay loam, while wetland soils ranged from loamy sand to sandy loam.
📌 3 Key Takeaways
Abstract
This study evaluated the soil fertility exchangeable cation balance and micronutrient dynamics across four distinct plots, two in upland (UP1 and UP2) and two in wetland (WT1 and WT2) in Kulani, Balanga Local Government Area, Gombe State, Nigeria, to determine their agricultural potential for sustainability. Soil samples were collected at a depth of 30cm and analyzed for texture, pH, organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorus (P), exchangeable bases, effective cation exchange capacity (ECEC), base saturation (BS), and micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu). Results showed that upland soils ranged from sandy loam to sandy clay loam, while wetland soils ranged from loamy sand to sandy loam. Soils were generally acidic with low to moderate OC and TN levels but high base saturation and ECEC values. Ca:Mg values were generally lower than 2 (<2) while Mg:K and Ca:K values were lower than 1 (<1). Nutrient Balance Index values ranged from 0.77 in WT1 to 1.05 in UP2, indicating poor nutrient balance throughout the study area These ratio indicates exchangeable cation imbalance and may predispose crops to calcium and magnesium deficiencies due to competitive nutrient interactions. Micronutrient levels were rated high to very high, indicating potential sufficiency for crop growth. Wetland soil contained higher concentrations of most nutrients than upland soils; however, the differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Significant correlations were observed between several soil properties: silt negatively correlated with sand (r = –0.726**); OC positively correlated with Mn (r = 0.770**); TN with ECEC (r = 0.731**) and Fe (r = 0.633*); and available phosphorus with Zn (r = 0.706*). Exchangeable acidity negatively correlated with Fe and Cu but positively with Mn. A strong positive correlation existed between Fe and Cu (r = 0.885**), while Mn showed a strong negative correlation with Cu (r = –0.770**). These relationships reflect complex nutrient interactions and soil development processes. The study concludes that, despite moderate acidity, the soils possess a moderate nutrient status and adequate micronutrients; however, appropriate management practices are required for sustainable agriculture.