Chioma M Ahukaemere | FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, OWERRI (FUTO), NIGERIA (original) (raw)

Papers by Chioma M Ahukaemere

Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, 1988

Concentrations of radiocobalt (60Co) and stable Co were measured in a series of sequential chemic... more Concentrations of radiocobalt (60Co) and stable Co were measured in a series of sequential chemical extractions of freshwater sediment cores and in benthic deposit-feeding organisms. In all sediment samples, a large fraction of the stable Co was measured in the strong-acid (residual) extract. Co concentrations in the exchangeable and carbonate-bound fractions decreased with depth in the core, while Co concentrations in the oxide- and organic-bound or sulfide-bound fractions increased. We hypothesize that the changes in Co partitioning result from the decrease in Eh with depth as FeCO3 dissolves and FeS2 forms. 60Co added to sediments was incorporated quickly by the exchangeable, carbonate-bound, and oxide-bound fractions. Very little 60Co was measured in the organic and residual fractions although these fractions contained more than 50% of the total stable Co. The specific activity of 60Co in organisms (Becquerels 60Co per microgram total Co) that were incubated in sediments spiked ...

FUW Journal of Agriculture and Life Sciences, 2018

Four pedons developed within the Asu river group and Asatankporo shale of Ebonyi state, Southeast... more Four pedons developed within the Asu river group and Asatankporo shale of Ebonyi state, Southeast Nigeria were investigated. The different pedons were characterized and classified for effective management based on results of analyses of soils sampled from the pedons. Ochric, argillic, kandic and cambic diagnostic surface and sub-surface horizons were identified. In all the profiles, none of the horizons could be classified as natric horizons hence their exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) values were < 15 %. Soils of the different pedons have udic soil moisture regime. Soils of the Asu river group were classified as Typic Eutrudept (EutricCambisol) and Typic Dystrudept (Dystric Luvisol) while soils developed on the Asatankporo shale were classified as Typic paleudalfs (profiles 3 = ArenicLixisols and 4 = Haplic Lixisols). Gleization, eluviations, lessivage and melanization were the major pedogenetic processes observed in the four pedons. The textural class of the soils of the Asu river formation comprised generally of silt clay loam, loam and silt loam while the textural class of the soils of the Asatankporo shale comprised of sand, sandy loam and loamy sand. Soil pH was moderately acidic (5.92-5.97 in Asu river group, 5.67-5.70 in Asatankporo shale). Organic carbon and total nitrogen were low while Available phosphorus was moderate.

Journal of Agricultural Sciences, Belgrade, 2020

Soil erosion has been at the forefront of the degradation of soils under different land-use types... more Soil erosion has been at the forefront of the degradation of soils under different land-use types in southeast Nigeria. Hence, this research aimed to determine the erodibility of the soils under different land-use types in Mbano. The four land-use types selected were oil palm plantation (OP), cassava farm (CF), pineapple orchard (PO) and plantain plantation (PP). However, clay dispersion ratio (CDR), clay dispersion index (CDI) and clay flocculation index (CFI) were the erodibility indices used. A total of 5 composite samples were collected randomly from each type of the land-uses at a depth of 0-20 cm using the free survey. The samples were subjected to laboratory analysis. Data generated were analyzed statistically using a completely randomized design of analyses of variance (ANOVA) and correlation. CDR had an increasing order of 47.9% <48.16% <51.49% <56.24% for soils under CF, PP, PO and OP, while CDI had 36.44%, 29.06%, 40.96% and 49.04% for soils under OP, CF, PO and ...

Scientific Modelling and Research, 2020

This research was carried out under three major dissimilar shaley lithological parent materials i... more This research was carried out under three major dissimilar shaley lithological parent materials in selected locations of Southeastern Nigeria. The soil aggregate stability and geotechnical properties were major objects of investigations. Pedons were dug; one in each location of Imo clay shale in Okigwe, Bende-Ameki shale in Uzuakoli and Asata Nkporo shale in Amaike Izzi, all located in Imo, Abia and Ebonyi States of Southeastern Nigeria respectively. These areas lie between Latitude 5o 45' 48" N and Longitude 7o 14' 37" E, Latitude 5o 45' 48" N and Longitude 7o 14' 37" E, Latitude 5o 55' 49" and Longitude 7o 58' 31" E for Okigwe, Uzuakoli and Amaike Izzi respectively. Soil aggregate stability and geotechnical properties were studied from the pedons. From the results, Imo clay shale had the highest average clay fraction (316.5 g kg-1). The mean sand content ranged from 620 690.5 g kg-1 and differed significantly (p = 0.05) across the parent materials. The organic Carbon content of the soil varied significantly with means ranging from 8.68 14.73 g kg-1. Results of the aggregate stability showed that the Clay flocculation index (CFI) and Clay dispersion ratio (CDI) ranged from 23.10 37.59 and 62.2 76.27 respectively and tend to have a negative relationship with each other. However, the CFI and CDI of the soils did not differ significantly. The water stable aggregate (WSA) and mean weight diameter (MWD) also did not vary significantly and ranged from 84.25 97.20 and 1.59 1.72 respectively. The result of the geotechnical properties showed that liquid limit, plastic limit and plasticity index varied significantly with the means ranging from 0.00 48.85, 0.00 21.68 and 0.00 27.18 respectively.

International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Research, 2020

Accurate quantification of the changes in carbon stocks of different horizons of the soil profile... more Accurate quantification of the changes in carbon stocks of different horizons of the soil profile pit in relation to soil bulk density is a prerequisite to understand the role of soil in the global carbon cycling and climate change mitigation. This paper seeks to draw attention to the carbon storage capacity of the individual soil horizon with particular emphasis on soil bulk density. Three (3) profile pits were dug at equal distance of 100 meters. These profile pits were carefully sampled and analysed in the laboratory using standard methods. Soil data were subjected to principal component analysis (PCA), regression and coefficient of variation analyses using SPSS. Results showed that A, Ap, AB and Bt were the soil horizons identified in the three different soil profiles at the time of sampling. Bulk density values ranged from 1.43-1.66 g cm-3 (mean = 1.49 g cm-3) in profile pit 1, 1.43-1.62 g cm-3 (mean = 1.53 g cm-3) in profile pit 2 and 1.15-1.64 g cm-3 (mean = 1.40 g cm-3) in profile pit 3 respectively. In profile 1, 2 and 3, the average carbon stock ranged from 4500.6, 3791.67 and 3689.2 g C m-2 respectively. From the PCA results, four variables were observed, they include organic carbon, inorganic carbon, water stable aggregate and carbon stock. The first PC (PC1 = organic carbon) had a value of 0.968, PC2 (inorganic carbon) = 0.968, PC3 (water stable aggregate) = 0.874 and PC4 (carbon stock) = 0.844, indicating positive effects. From the PC plot, the eigenvalues are 3.57, 3.08, 1.78 and 1.10. However, the first PC explains 32.47 % of total variation whiles the second, third and fourth PCs explain 60.47, 76.67 and 86.72 % respectively. Contribution/Originality: This study contributed substantially to the effective understanding of carbon accumulation in soil in relation to soil compaction; hence, for the comprehension of the exact quantity of carbon accumulated in the soil, accurate measurement of the amount of carbon sequestered by individual natural horizon of the soil profile is imperative. 1. INTRODUCTION Accurate and effective determination of bulk density is indispensable in monitoring soil carbon stocks and soil carbon stock variations in the soil profile pit. The result of soil carbon stock is conventionally expressed in units such as percentage (%), milligram of carbon per kilogram of soil (mg C kg-1) or microgram of carbon per kilogram of soil (g C kg-1) (Powlson, Whitmore, & Goulding, 2011). These are units of concentration, though they are often

Horizon differences in soils influence ability of crops to obtain nutrients and indeed support ot... more Horizon differences in soils influence ability of crops to obtain nutrients and indeed support other uses. The study aimed at investigating the micronutrient (Cu, Mn, Fe, Zn) contents of horizons of two different pedons which lies on similar parent material (Coastal plain sand) in Imo State. Random survey technique guided by the geologic map of the area was used in siting one profile pits on each of the locations. The profile pits were described; and identification and delineation of horizon boundaries were accomplished using FAO guidelines before actual sample collection for laboratory analyses. Soil data were subjected to coefficient of variation (CV) analysis. The results of the micronutrients indicated range values of 0.02- 0.36 mg kg-1 for Mn, 36.6-108 mg kg-1 for Fe, 0.091-0.256 mg kg-1 for Cu and 0.205-0.774 mg kg-1 for Zn in pedon 1. In pedon 2, the ranges were 0.13-1.09 mg kg-1 for Mn, 19-50.6 mg kg-1for Fe, 0.143-0.613 mg kg-1 for Cu and 0.22- 0.962 mg kg-1 for Zn respecti...

Journal of Agricultural Sciences (Belgrade), 2020

Soil erosion has been at the forefront of the degradation of soils under different land-use types... more Soil erosion has been at the forefront of the degradation of soils under different land-use types in southeast Nigeria. Hence, this research aimed to determine the erodibility of the soils under different land-use types in Mbano. The four land-use types selected were oil palm plantation (OP), cassava farm (CF), pineapple orchard (PO) and plantain plantation (PP). However, clay dispersion ratio (CDR), clay dispersion index (CDI) and clay flocculation index (CFI) were the erodibility indices used. A total of 5 composite samples were collected randomly from each type of the land-uses at a depth of 0–20 cm using the free survey. The samples were subjected to laboratory analysis. Data generated were analyzed statistically using a completely randomized design of analyses of variance (ANOVA) and correlation. CDR had an increasing order of 47.9% <48.16% <51.49% <56.24% for soils under CF, PP, PO and OP, while CDI had 36.44%, 29.06%, 40.96% and 49.04% for soils under OP, CF, PO and ...

research paper, 2020

This research was carried out under three major dissimilar shaley lithological parent materials i... more This research was carried out under three major dissimilar shaley lithological parent materials in selected locations of Southeastern Nigeria. The soil aggregate stability and geotechnical properties were major objects of investigations. Pedons were dug; one in each location of Imo clay shale in Okigwe, Bende-Ameki shale in Uzuakoli and Asata Nkporo shale in Amaike Izzi, all located in Imo, Abia and Ebonyi States of Southeastern Nigeria respectively. These areas lie between Latitude 5o 45' 48" N and Longitude 7o 14' 37" E, Latitude 5o 45' 48" N and Longitude 7o 14' 37" E, Latitude 5o 55' 49" and Longitude 7o 58' 31" E for Okigwe, Uzuakoli and Amaike Izzi respectively. Soil aggregate stability and geotechnical properties were studied from the pedons. From the results, Imo clay shale had the highest average clay fraction (316.5 g kg-1). The mean sand content ranged from 620-690.5 g kg-1 and differed significantly (p = 0.05) across the parent materials. The organic Carbon content of the soil varied significantly with means ranging from 8.68-14.73 g kg-1. Results of the aggregate stability showed that the Clay flocculation index (CFI) and Clay dispersion ratio (CDI) ranged from 23.10-37.59 and 62.2-76.27 respectively and tend to have a negative relationship with each other. However, the CFI and CDI of the soils did not differ significantly. The water stable aggregate (WSA) and mean weight diameter (MWD) also did not vary significantly and ranged from 84.25-97.20 and 1.59-1.72 respectively. The result of the geotechnical properties showed that liquid limit, plastic limit and plasticity index varied significantly with the means ranging from 0.00-48.85, 0.00-21.68 and 0.00-27.18 respectively. Highlights of this paper  Generally, the availability of phosphorus in the soils of the three shaley parent materials was low and could be attributed to the soil reaction which may have influenced the P solubility and availability.  Soil pH of the studied areas were moderately acidic, soils of southeastern Nigeria are inherently acidic, however, this pH falls within the acceptable limits of 5.0-6.5 which is the best pH range for tropical arable soils.  Results of the aggregate stability showed that the Clay flocculation index (CFI) and Clay dispersion ratio (CDI) tend to have a negative relationship with each other.

Research article, 2020

The interest in Soil carbon has risen significantly in the science community due to the potential... more The interest in Soil carbon has risen significantly in the science community due to the potential of climate change mitigation through soil carbon sequestration. Changes in fallow periods influence how much and at what rate carbon is sequestered in or released from the soil. Carbon sequestration in soils under three different fallow ages (7, 14 and 21) at varying sampling depths (0-20, 20-40, 40-60, 60-80, 80-100 cm) was investigated using the method of Batjes and data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance. Organic carbon content was generally low ranging from 3.99-5.67g kg-1. Soil carbon sequestered under the three varying fallow ages ranged from 1295-1611g cm-2. Though no significant variation was observed in the amount of C sequestered by the varying ages of vegetation, results showed that 14 years fallow sequestered the highest quantity of carbon (1611g cm-2) while the least (1295 g cm-2) was obtained in 7 year fallow. On the other hand, sampling depth had a significant influence on soil carbon content. In 7 years fallow period, 0-20, 20-40 and 40-60 cm sampling depths contained significantly highest carbon stock values. In 14 and 21 years fallow ages, 0-20 cm sampling depth sequestered significantly highest carbon (3147.04 g cm-2 , 2247 g cm-2) compared to other sampling depths. Conclusively, more carbon is sequestered at the soil surface than in the subsoil and prolonged fallow age up to 21 years may not be beneficial to soil carbon sequestration.

research article, 2020

Article History Keywords Carbon stock Horizon Bulk density Organic carbon Climate change. Accurat... more Article History Keywords Carbon stock Horizon Bulk density Organic carbon Climate change. Accurate quantification of the changes in carbon stocks of different horizons of the soil profile pit in relation to soil bulk density is a prerequisite to understand the role of soil in the global carbon cycling and climate change mitigation. This paper seeks to draw attention to the carbon storage capacity of the individual soil horizon with particular emphasis on soil bulk density. Three (3) profile pits were dug at equal distance of 100 meters. These profile pits were carefully sampled and analysed in the laboratory using standard methods. Soil data were subjected to principal component analysis (PCA), regression and coefficient of variation analyses using SPSS. Results showed that A, Ap, AB and Bt were the soil horizons identified in the three different soil profiles at the time of sampling. Bulk density values ranged from 1.43-1.66 g cm-3 (mean = 1.49 g cm-3) in profile pit 1, 1.43-1.62 g cm-3 (mean = 1.53 g cm-3) in profile pit 2 and 1.15-1.64 g cm-3 (mean = 1.40 g cm-3) in profile pit 3 respectively. In profile 1, 2 and 3, the average carbon stock ranged from 4500.6, 3791.67 and 3689.2 g C m-2 respectively. From the PCA results, four variables were observed, they include organic carbon, inorganic carbon, water stable aggregate and carbon stock. The first PC (PC1 = organic carbon) had a value of 0.968, PC2 (inorganic carbon) = 0.968, PC3 (water stable aggregate) = 0.874 and PC4 (carbon stock) = 0.844, indicating positive effects. From the PC plot, the eigenvalues are 3.57, 3.08, 1.78 and 1.10. However, the first PC explains 32.47 % of total variation whiles the second, third and fourth PCs explain 60.47, 76.67 and 86.72 % respectively. Contribution/Originality: This study contributed substantially to the effective understanding of carbon accumulation in soil in relation to soil compaction; hence, for the comprehension of the exact quantity of carbon accumulated in the soil, accurate measurement of the amount of carbon sequestered by individual natural horizon of the soil profile is imperative.

BJSS, 2018

Land capability classification (LCC), fertility capability classification (FCC) and land suitabil... more Land capability classification (LCC), fertility capability classification (FCC) and land suitability evaluation of some soils of Ebonyi State were carried out for cassava, yam and maize cultivation. Land capability and fertility capability classes were obtained using the method of United State Development of Agriculture (USDA) while suitability evaluation was done using the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations' (FAO) conventional method. Four (4) pedons were investigated, two from Akaeze (Asu river group) and two from Abakaliki (Asata nkporo shale) . Results of LCC showed that sites 1 and 2 (Asu river group) were classified as class II soils while sites 3 and 4 (Asata nkporo shale) were classified as class IV soils. According to FCC results, the major classes obtained were SM,g,k for site 1, A,g,k for site 2 and SA,e,k,r for sites 3 and 4 respectively. The results of land suitability evaluation showed that despite climatic factors and topography, there was no highly suitable (S1) land for maize, yam and cassava cultivation. Total nitrogen and organic carbon contents of pedons 1, 2 and 4 were marginally (S3) suitable for the production of yam and cassava while the nitrogen and organic carbon contents of pedon 3 were currently not suitable (N1) for yam and cassava cultivation. Soil texture, pH, ECEC and available phosphorus made the 4 sites moderately suitable (S2) for cassava and yam cultivation. Also, the acidic condition of the soils made all the sites moderately suitable for maize production. From the results of the aggregate suitability ratings, the major constraint for yam, cassava and maize cultivation in the sites was soil fertility (f) resulting from low organic carbon and total nitrogen contents of the soils. Though not optimum for the cultivation of the crops evaluated, the soils can still produce increased and sustainable crop yield if the appropriate husbandry practices are adopted, with particular reference to organic and nitrogen fertilizer application.

IJAMT, 2018

The elemental ratio is an important soil quality parameter used in determining soil fertility sta... more The elemental ratio is an important soil quality parameter used in determining soil fertility status. The implications of soil nutrient elemental ratios were studied in five different locations representing Owerri agricultural zone namely Ohaji, Ezinihite, Umulolo, Nmahu and Nwangele. Complete Randomized Design (CRD) was used for the study and 5 soil samples (replicates) per site were collected for analysis. Soil samples were analysed in the laboratory for soil properties and generated data subjected to Analysis of variance (ANOVA).

NIGERIA JOURNAL OF SOIL AND TILLAGE RESEARCH, 2016

A study was carried out on a toposequence underlain by Coastal Plain Sand in South-east Nigeria, ... more A study was carried out on a toposequence underlain by Coastal Plain Sand in South-east Nigeria, with the aim of classifying the soils for optimal use using a transect survey technique. One (1) profile pit was dug on each of the physiographic positions (summit, midslope and toeslope) of the toposequence at an inter-pedal distance of about 100m. Samples were collected and prepared for routine laboratory analyses. Soil data generated were analyzed statistically using coefficient of variation and correlation analyses. Results showed that soils had textural classes ranging from sandy loam, loamy sand to sandy clay loam. The sand fraction dominated the particle size of the soils with mean values of 74.10 % at the summit, 76.25 % at the midslope and 74.71 % at the toeslope. The bulk density (BD) increased down the slope with mean values ranging from 0.93- 1.21 g/cm3. The soil pH were moderately acidic (5.31- 6.14) in all the physiographic positions of the toposequence. Organic matter content was generally low in all the physiographic positions with mean range of 1.49 % - 2.08 %. The coefficient of variation (CV) showed that sand and pH(H2O) had low variation in all physiographic positions. Moderate to high variations were observed in clay, Av. P, and Base saturation in all the physiographic positions of the toposequence. Soils were classified as Arenic Hapludult (Dystric Arensols) at summit and midslope, and psammentic Hapludult (Haplic Fluvisols) at toeslope.

Horizon differences in soils influence ability of crops to obtain nutrients and indeed support ot... more Horizon differences in soils influence ability of crops to obtain nutrients and indeed support other uses. The study aimed at investigating the micronutrient (Cu, Mn, Fe, Zn) contents of horizons of two different pedons which lies on similar parent material (Coastal plain sand) in Imo State. Random survey technique guided by the geologic map of the area was used in siting one profile pits on each of the locations. The profile pits were described; and identification and delineation of horizon boundaries were accomplished using FAO guidelines before actual sample collection for laboratory analyses. Soil data were subjected to coefficient of variation (CV) analysis. The results of the micronutrients indicated range values of 0.02-0.36 mg kg-1 for Mn, 36.6-108 mg kg-1 for Fe, 0.091-0.256 mg kg-1 for Cu and 0.205-0.774 mg kg-1 for Zn in pedon 1. In pedon 2, the ranges were 0.13-1.09 mg kg-1 for Mn, 19-50.6 mg kg-1 for Fe, 0.143-0.613 mg kg-1 for Cu and 0.22-0.962 mg kg-1 for Zn respectively. The values of Zn, Cu and Mn were below the critical limits recommended for arable crop production. However, Fe concentration was generally high in all the horizons and was above the critical level recommended. Hence, the soils were surplus in iron but deficient in Cu, Mn and Zn. It is therefore recommended that agronomic requirements should consider these essential edaphic attributes in the study area.

Selected soils of South-eastern Nigeria were evaluated for oil palm and cocoa production using FA... more Selected soils of South-eastern Nigeria were evaluated for oil palm and cocoa production using FAO land suitability classification. Data were obtained from six oil palm and cocoa producing areas namely Ikom, Nwangele, Okpala, Okigwe, Nto-Ndang and Bende in South-eastern Nigeria. Results of the physico-chemical properties of soils showed that sand and clay contents ranged from 89 g kg -1 in Bende to 851 g kg -1 in Nto-Ndang; and 72 g kg -1 in Okigwe to 730 g kg -1 in Bende. Soil pH was very strongly (4.28) to moderately (5.60) acidic. Available phosphorus, exchangeable calcium and magnesium were rated low to moderate. From the land suitability results, soil texture was not suitable at Ikom, Nwangele, Okpala, Okigwe and Nto-Ndang (pedons 1-5, but marginally suitable at Bende (pedon 6) for cocoa cultivation. Soil texture placed pedons 1-5 in S3 (marginally suitable) class and pedon 6 in N1(currently not suitable) class for oil palm cultivation. For soil fertility characteristics, the major limitation for cocoa production at sites 1-5 was the organic matter which placed these sites in suitability class N1, while total nitrogen was a serious constrain to oil palm cultivation in sites 1 and 2. Soil total nitrogen placed sites 4 and 6 in suitability class S1 (highly suitable), site 3 in suitability class S3 (marginally suitable) and site 5 in suitability class S2 (moderately suitable) for oil palm cultivation. The result of aggregate suitability rating under current evaluation showed that all pedons are currently not suitable for cocoa cultivation. In sites 1-5, soil texture and fertility (organic matter) were the major constrains while at site 6, drainage and available phosphorus were the major constraints for cocoa production. For oil palm cultivation, sites 1,2,5 and 6 are currently not suitable (N1fw), with soil fertility and drainage being the major constraints in these soils while sites 3 and 4 were marginally suitable (S3sf) with soil texture and fertility imposing major limitations to these soils. Generally, from the results, texture is the most severe soil physical characteristic limiting both cocoa and oil palm production in the study sites.

Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, 1988

FUW Journal of Agriculture and Life Sciences, 2018

Journal of Agricultural Sciences, Belgrade, 2020

Scientific Modelling and Research, 2020

International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Research, 2020

Journal of Agricultural Sciences (Belgrade), 2020

Soil erosion has been at the forefront of the degradation of soils under different land-use types... more Soil erosion has been at the forefront of the degradation of soils under different land-use types in southeast Nigeria. Hence, this research aimed to determine the erodibility of the soils under different land-use types in Mbano. The four land-use types selected were oil palm plantation (OP), cassava farm (CF), pineapple orchard (PO) and plantain plantation (PP). However, clay dispersion ratio (CDR), clay dispersion index (CDI) and clay flocculation index (CFI) were the erodibility indices used. A total of 5 composite samples were collected randomly from each type of the land-uses at a depth of 0–20 cm using the free survey. The samples were subjected to laboratory analysis. Data generated were analyzed statistically using a completely randomized design of analyses of variance (ANOVA) and correlation. CDR had an increasing order of 47.9% <48.16% <51.49% <56.24% for soils under CF, PP, PO and OP, while CDI had 36.44%, 29.06%, 40.96% and 49.04% for soils under OP, CF, PO and ...

research paper, 2020

This research was carried out under three major dissimilar shaley lithological parent materials i... more This research was carried out under three major dissimilar shaley lithological parent materials in selected locations of Southeastern Nigeria. The soil aggregate stability and geotechnical properties were major objects of investigations. Pedons were dug; one in each location of Imo clay shale in Okigwe, Bende-Ameki shale in Uzuakoli and Asata Nkporo shale in Amaike Izzi, all located in Imo, Abia and Ebonyi States of Southeastern Nigeria respectively. These areas lie between Latitude 5o 45' 48" N and Longitude 7o 14' 37" E, Latitude 5o 45' 48" N and Longitude 7o 14' 37" E, Latitude 5o 55' 49" and Longitude 7o 58' 31" E for Okigwe, Uzuakoli and Amaike Izzi respectively. Soil aggregate stability and geotechnical properties were studied from the pedons. From the results, Imo clay shale had the highest average clay fraction (316.5 g kg-1). The mean sand content ranged from 620-690.5 g kg-1 and differed significantly (p = 0.05) across the parent materials. The organic Carbon content of the soil varied significantly with means ranging from 8.68-14.73 g kg-1. Results of the aggregate stability showed that the Clay flocculation index (CFI) and Clay dispersion ratio (CDI) ranged from 23.10-37.59 and 62.2-76.27 respectively and tend to have a negative relationship with each other. However, the CFI and CDI of the soils did not differ significantly. The water stable aggregate (WSA) and mean weight diameter (MWD) also did not vary significantly and ranged from 84.25-97.20 and 1.59-1.72 respectively. The result of the geotechnical properties showed that liquid limit, plastic limit and plasticity index varied significantly with the means ranging from 0.00-48.85, 0.00-21.68 and 0.00-27.18 respectively. Highlights of this paper  Generally, the availability of phosphorus in the soils of the three shaley parent materials was low and could be attributed to the soil reaction which may have influenced the P solubility and availability.  Soil pH of the studied areas were moderately acidic, soils of southeastern Nigeria are inherently acidic, however, this pH falls within the acceptable limits of 5.0-6.5 which is the best pH range for tropical arable soils.  Results of the aggregate stability showed that the Clay flocculation index (CFI) and Clay dispersion ratio (CDI) tend to have a negative relationship with each other.

Research article, 2020

research article, 2020

BJSS, 2018

IJAMT, 2018

NIGERIA JOURNAL OF SOIL AND TILLAGE RESEARCH, 2016

Horizon differences in soils influence ability of crops to obtain nutrients and indeed support ot... more Horizon differences in soils influence ability of crops to obtain nutrients and indeed support other uses. The study aimed at investigating the micronutrient (Cu, Mn, Fe, Zn) contents of horizons of two different pedons which lies on similar parent material (Coastal plain sand) in Imo State. Random survey technique guided by the geologic map of the area was used in siting one profile pits on each of the locations. The profile pits were described; and identification and delineation of horizon boundaries were accomplished using FAO guidelines before actual sample collection for laboratory analyses. Soil data were subjected to coefficient of variation (CV) analysis. The results of the micronutrients indicated range values of 0.02-0.36 mg kg-1 for Mn, 36.6-108 mg kg-1 for Fe, 0.091-0.256 mg kg-1 for Cu and 0.205-0.774 mg kg-1 for Zn in pedon 1. In pedon 2, the ranges were 0.13-1.09 mg kg-1 for Mn, 19-50.6 mg kg-1 for Fe, 0.143-0.613 mg kg-1 for Cu and 0.22-0.962 mg kg-1 for Zn respectively. The values of Zn, Cu and Mn were below the critical limits recommended for arable crop production. However, Fe concentration was generally high in all the horizons and was above the critical level recommended. Hence, the soils were surplus in iron but deficient in Cu, Mn and Zn. It is therefore recommended that agronomic requirements should consider these essential edaphic attributes in the study area.