Comparative Analysis of Termiteria and Surrounding Soil Properties in the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria

Abstract

Variations in the properties of termitaria and their surrounding soil properties within the University of Agriculture Makurdi were investigated using routine soil analysis protocol. Parameters such as texture, pH, cationic exchange capacity (CEC), organic carbon (OC), available phosphorus (AP) and total nitrogen (TN) were determined alongside with the elemental (Cu, Mn, Zn, Fe, Cd, Pb, Na, K, Ca, Mg and Al) analysis. There were clear disparity in the texture (clay content), pH level, AP and TN within the mound and in the environs. Similarly, elemental analysis shows significant variability of the elements among sites ranging from 0.02-196 mg/kg and 0.01-172 mg/kg for the termitaria and surrounding soils, respectively. The predominant analyte is Al, which is the most abundant element in the earth crust. The results show that trace elements such as Mn and Fe, are significantly higher in the termite mounds compared to the surrounding soils. Therefore, we recommended that farming should be carried out very close to the termitaria soils since these elements were essential to plants and animals. Keywords: AAS, Heavy metals, Makurdi, Soils, Termites