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ABSTRACT
This study was conducted to ascertain the physicochemical properties of soil from NPDC Ologbo flow station situated in Ikpoba Oka Local Government Area of Edo State. Soil samples were collected randomly at a distance 40m (A), 80m (B), 120m (C), 160m (D), 200m (E) and at 1km (F) and from the University of Benin botanic garden which served as the control (G) site at a depth of 0-15cm and 15-30cm. Once collected samples were taken to the laboratory for physicochemical analysis. Analytical results revealed that pH values ranges from 5.82±0.04 - 6.92±0.09.The lowest (5.82) and highest (6.92) pH value was recorded in soil samples obtained 80m and 1km away from the gas flare station respectively. Electrical Conductivity (EC) of soil samples ranged from 6.87±0.32 - 99.58±43.64µS/cm. Nitrate and nitrite concentrations in soil samples ranged from 10.08±0.42 – 12.03±0.04mg/kg and 0.53±0.03 – 0.87±0.07mg/kg respectively. The total nitrogen values of soil samples ranged from 0.02±0.01 - 0.16±0.02%. Highest (0.16%) and lowest (0.02%) total nitrogen content was observed in soil samples obtained from control and 40m away from gas flare station respectively. The soil moisture content expressed in percentage, ranged from 5.72% recorded at control site and 11.09% recorded 1km away from the gas flare station. Water holding capacity of soils within the gas flaring area was observed to range from 23.00±1.22-50.00±2.04ml/l. The highest bulk density values (0.73 g/cm3) was recorded in soil samples collected 160m from gas flare station while the lowest bulk density values (0.07 g/cm3) was obtained in soil samples collected 200m from gas flare station. Findings from the study revealed that flaring activity had significant effect on the physicochemical properties of the soil and thus it is recommended that gas flaring activities should be prevented to reduce its impact of soil quality and agriculture.
