ABSTRACT
Micronutrients are metallic chemical elements necessary for growth of plants only in small amount. The study aimed at determining the status of some micronutrients in soils under plantain crop at University of Benin integrated farm, Benin City, Nigeria.
The study was conducted on twenty seven (27) soil samples collected from three (3) depths (0-30, 30-60, 60-90 cm), at 3 locations in 3 replication within the farm, using completely randomized design method of sample collection. Particle size distribution was carried out using the hydrometer method, some soil chemical properties (pH, Available P, Total Nitrogen, Exchangeable bases, Organic carbon and organic matter) were determined using standard method. While the determination of micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu) status was carried out by the double acid extraction method. The relationship between some soil properties and the micronutrients studied was determined by simple liner correlation at p<0.05. Genstat statistical package was employed for data analysis while Duncan multiple ranged test was used to separate means at 5% level of probability.
The results showed that the soil was sandy and slightly acidic, the organic matter content was low and the exchangeable bases value showed low fertility. The micronutrients Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu contents were high when compared to the critical value of 0.2 mg/kg reported by other workers. The micronutrients studied had mean values of 75.39, 42.91, 59.24 and 26.42 m6g/kg for Fe, Mn Zn and Cu respectively, while the soil properties studied significantly influenced the micronutrients as shown by the correlation study.
Considering the sandy nature, slight acidity, low fertility status and high micronutrients content of the study area, proper crop and soil management system is recommended to enhance production of quality food and prevent micronutrient toxicity in the study area.
