ABSTRACT
The experiment was conducted under plantain crop at the FAGCOOP farm at Evboneka, Benin City, Edo State, to ascertain the micronutrients status of soil. The area was divided into three (3) equal parts. Each part was replicated six (6) times. Soil samples were obtained from each replicate using soil auger. A total of eighteen (18) soil samples were obtained from the plot at the following soil depths namely; 0-30cm, 30-60cm, 60-90cm. Soil samples collected were analysed using standard laboratory techniques. Results showed that the sand and silt fraction of the soil decreased significantly with increased soil depths but clay component increased significantly with increased soil depths and the soil pH was found to be moderately acidic. Total Nitrogen, Organic Carbon, Organic Matter, Exchangeable Acidity and Available Phosphorus were generally low and below critical levels. Exchangeable bases such as Ca and Mg fell below critical levels while Na and K were above critical levels. The mean values of vital micronutrients detected in the soil; Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu were 344.61mg/kg-1, 136.44mg/kg-1, 215.17mg/kg-1, and 83.44mg/kg-1 respectively. Heavy metals detected in the soil such as Pb, Cr, Cd, Ni and V had mean values of 35.07mg/kg-1, 42.73mg/kg-1, 27.27mg/kg-1,15.38mg/kg-1 and 10.16mg/kg-1 respectively. Clay, EC, Exchangeable bases, Phosphorus and Organic Carbon negatively and significantly correlated with Mn, Cr, Cu, Cd, Fe, Ni, Pb, V and Zn. Soil pH positively and significantly correlated with Mn, Cu, Cd, Cd, Fe, Ni , Pb and V but negatively and significantly correlated with Cr and Zn. Sand and Silt positively and significantly correlated with the micronutrients in the soil.
