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Research Journal of Botany

Year: 2013 | Volume: 8 | Issue: 1 | Page No.: 24-30
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Authors

C. Ekeke

K. Okonwu

Keywords

Research Article

Comparative Study on Fertility Status of Soils of University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria

C. Ekeke and K. Okonwu
Study on the soil fertility status of University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria was carried out with respect to its land use types. The aim was to establish preliminary data for further studies in the area. Four soil samples were collected randomly from eight plots (10x10 m) length; air dried and analysed to assess the fertility status of the soils. The land use and dominant plant species were also noted. The average concentrations of the heavy metals and physico-chemical parameters showed that within the study area Potassium, K (0.94±1.19 mg kg-1), Lead, Pb (0.22±0.21 mg kg-1), Cadmium, Cd (0.11±0.16 mg kg-1), Manganese, Mn (0.54±0.40 mg kg-1), Chromium, Cr (0.22±0.21 mg kg-1), pH (4.58±0.10), Conductivity, (23.94±10.84 μS cm-1), Available Phosphorus PO43¯ (5.78±4.81 mg kg-1), Nitrate, NO3¯ (2.47±0.82 mk kg-1), organic matter, OM (6.46±2.18%) and Nitrogen, N (0.50±0.44%). Soils within the University Park were generally good for agricultural purposes. However, a little variation exists based on land cover and land-use types. The study establishes that the land-use and land cover system support the fertility of the soil and hence support growth of plant community structure which maintains the ecosystem. The data obtained would serve as preliminary information for further studies.
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