Abstract:
A study was conducted in Gantsare village, Wamakko
local government, Sokoto state
to determine the effect of cement dust emitted from
Sokoto cement factory on the fertility of fadama
soils. Soil samples were collected in June, 2008 f
rom the eastern, northeastern, and southeastern par
ts
of the village and Girabshi; a nearby village with
least effect of the dust. The samples were collecte
d
at two depths (0-15 and 15-30 cm) using simple rand
om sampling method. Randomized complete
block design (RCBD) was employed, replicated three
times, making a total of 24 samples. The
samples were analyzed for pH, OC, CEC, total N, ava
ilable P, exchangeable bases (Ca, Mg, K and
Na) and particle size. Almost all parameters determ
ined were found to be statistically significant (P
<
0.01). OC was found to be lower in concentration in
the areas closer to the factory; eastern
part<northeastern part<southeastern part<Girabshi v
illage; 1.31<1.36<1.50<2.59 g kg
-1
respectively,
available P also followed similar trend. While pH i
ndicated a reverse trend; eastern part>northeastern
part>Southeastern part>Girabshi village; 7.77>7.76>
7.75>6.25 respectively, likewise CEC and
exchangeable bases. The trend in the results observ
ed may be attributed to possible adverse effects o
f
the dust on microbial population, reduction in the
availability of some nutrients and a favour on the
concentrations of exchangeable bases and CEC. The t
opsoils showed better results of all the soil
chemical properties. The study recommends minimizat
ion of the amount of dust reaching agricultural
soils and the use of phosphorus and nitrogen fertil
izer supplements as soil management practices to
enhance
soil
fertility
status
and
enhance
adequate
crop
yield
in
the
area.
