Interrelationships among phosphorus and some soil properties in soils derived on cretaceous sediments, shale and quaternary alluvium in Edo state, Nigeria

Abstract

Interrelationships among phosphorus and some soil properties in soils derived from Cretaceous Sediments, Shale and Quaternary Alluvium in Edo State, Nigeria was evaluated to understand likely soil constraints to increase crop yields. For each parent material type, soil samples were collected from the profile pits sunk. The soil samples collected were air-dried and were analyzed for physicochemical properties and various P-forms in the laboratory using standard methods. Results showed that in soils derived on cretaceous sediment, clay had significant negative relationship with total P, organic P and available P while in soils formed on shale, clay had significant negative relationship with total P and available P. Soil pH had a significant positive relationship with total P (r = 0.771^*), indicating that the soil pH has a greater influence on total P in soils derived from quaternary alluvium. Organic carbon had significant positive relationship with total P (r = 0.913^*), organic P (r = 0.984^**), Ca-P (r =0.907^*) and available P (r = 0.980**) in soils derived from shale. In order to boost the productive potential of these soils to achieve high yields of viable crops, remedial steps are taken to correct deficiencies. The availability of phosphorus and other nutrients to plant crops on these soils would be enhanced by the use of organic manure, with or without the use of inorganic P-fertilizer.