Soil Cationic Relationships, Structural and Fertility Assessment Within Selected Active Dumpsites in Nigeria

Abstract

Soil structure plays a crucial role in overall soil quality and ability to support plant growth and animal life. The study assessed the structural stability and fertility status of soils from selected active dumpsites in Nigeria. The selected dumpsites were Enyimba dumpsite Aba in Abia State (dumpsite-1), Okpuno-Egbu dumpsite Nnewi in Anambra State (dumpsite-2), Rice mill dumpsite Abakaliki in Ebonyi State (dumpsite-3) and Nekede dumpsite Owerri in Imo State (dumpsite-4). Following standard sampling procedure, characterization and analysis by energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence spectrometer, the cations in the soils were quantified. Results showed that the soils were of high potassium and calcium concentrations with the following order Ca > K > Mg > Na. The pH and SOM ranged from 7.0 ± 0.89 to 7.60 ± 0.26 and from 4.50 ± 0.26 to 12.60 ± 0.21% respectively. Correlation analysis with the cations showed the SOM had stronger positive relationship (r > 0.5) except for K in comparison with pH. Ca, K and Na strongly correlated with the CEC (r > 0.9) while they also exhibited positive relationship between them in most dumpsites. The cation ratio of structural stability (CROSS) model revealed value ranging from 13.741 to 108.433, indicating poor soil structure while nutrient and soil quality indices showed low to moderate nutrient and quality. Effort to prevent the dumping of waste or the proper waste management of these areas should be intensified.