Fertility Status of Fadama Soils in Gantsare Villag e, Wamakko Local Government, Sokoto State As Affected by Cement Dust.

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.