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ABSTRACT
Information on the fertilitystatus of the soils on which coconuts are grown and possible fertilizer recommendation are scanty. Sincecoconut yield is generally related to the fertility status of the soil, a study was conducted to assess the soil physical and chemical properties under coconut cultivation in NIFOR. Soil samples for this study were collected at a 0-30cm and 30-60cm from Coconut palm plantation in Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR). Six soil samples (3 samples from 0-30cm depth and 3 samples from 30-60cm depth were collected each from the (Crest, Middle and bottom region) making it a total of eighteen samples. The samples were air-dried, crushed, sieved in a 2mm soil sieve and accurately labeled and transported to the laboratory for soil Analysis. Assessment of the soil properties showed that the mean top soil and subsoil pH was slightly acidic (4.74s – 4.81) respectively and fall within the acceptable limits for good coconut yield. Mean exchangeableacidity (0.13 - 0.19 cmol/kg) was moderate while exchangeable basic cations (Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn) weregenerally low. Mean available phosphorus of 10.25 – 11.69mg/kg mgkg waslow and one of the major nutrients that will affect coconut yield. Except for Fe and Zn, nutrient levels generallyshowed an increase trend in the order of Subsoil > topsoil. The evaluation showed that the soils sufferfrom multi-nutrient deficiency. Nutrient levels of the soils are low to moderate, and will not support higher coconutgrowth and yield. Hence it is recommended that Total Nitrogen, Available phosphorus and potassium carriers be applied to soil to boost coconut yield in the study area.
