Title: Soil fertility dynamics and nutrient concentration of cassava leaves in Ethiope Region, Delta State, Nigeria
Authors: Ojobor, S. A. and Onoriasakpovwa, R. A.
Volume: 9
Issue: 5
Pages: 339-348
Publication Date: 2025/05/28
Abstract:
Evaluation of soil fertility dynamics and leaves nutrient concentration changes in cassava, Ethiope Region, Delta State. The region is made of two Local Government Area (Ethiope East and Ethiope West). Six cassava farming communities were randomly selected from the Local Government: Ethiope East (Oviorie, Urhuoka and Igun), Ethiope West (Otefe, Akpobome and Oghara). A representative soil and plant samples were taken at different growth stages: 3 months after planting (3MAP), 5MAP, 7MAP and 9MAP while parameter analyzed were: pH, organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, exchangeable bases. Soil fertility index and soil evaluation factor were computed to evaluate the quality of soil. The soils were slightly acidic with values ranging from 5.8 to 6.8 and less variable. Organic carbon and total nitrogen ranged from low to moderate (1.16-2.64%) and (0.12-0.29%), respectively. Available phosphorus ranged from (12.7-33.8mg/kg) exchangeable calcium, magnesium and potassium ranged from 5.20-7.73cmol/kg, 0.99-3.26cmol/kg and 0.09-3.34cmol/kg, respectively. Cassava leaf pH concentration ranged from 6.0-7.6 and also less variable. The organic carbon and nitrogen ranged from 41.5-71.3% and 3.32-5.99% respectively. Phosphorus concentration ranged from 0.19-0.37% while calcium, magnesium and potassium ranged from 1.18-3.83%, 0.055-0.059% and 0.61-1.47% and varied between less and moderate, respectively. Soil fertility index and soil evaluation factor showed higher soil quality at 7MAP in Igun, Otefe, Akpobome and Oghara and at 9MAP in Oviorie and Urhuoka. The soil fertility and leaf nutrient changes of the farms followed similar pattern in some parameters analyzed and a negative relationship in others. The nutrient concentration was relatively higher at 7MAP similar to soil fertility although K concentration was higher at 9MAP. Therefore, site specific nutrient amendment with seasons is recommended for enhanced productivity.