Assessment Of Soil Component Of Alley Farm After Twenty Years Of Establishment

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to determine the mineral and heavy metals concentration in soil of an Alley farm situated in Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria. The objectives were mainly to assess the minerals and heavy metals in soil before and after the Alley farm have been established in the study area, compare soil minerals and heavy metals between rows, alleys and the adjoining farm, compare the concentration of minerals and heavy metals in soil in relation to the permissible limits specified by WHO/FAQ, NAFDAC, FEPA and E.0 Standards. Soil samples were collected in the rainy season from the rows, alleys and the adjoining farm and analyzed for analysis. Ca, Mg, K, Na, N, P, Zn, Ni, Cd, Fe, Pb and soil pH using Digestion stove, digital balance and Crusible method. Results from this study reveal that Calcium and Phosphonis has the highest concentration ( 9.448 % and 12.318% ) in the alley and rows sampled. There was no significant difference between the mineral concentration in the alleys, rows and that of adjoining fanm Results for heavy metals indicate that concentration value of Zn and Fe in the soil samples were generally lower (2 .436% and 1.847%) than the WHO maximum permissive limits. Also the concentrations of Pb (6.436-8.224mg/kg), Ni (1.554-3.016mg/kg), Cd (6.06-6.322), and Ph (6.41- 6.805mg/kg) in soil samples were generally lower than the maximum permissive limits (Pb; 100, Zn; 300-400; ; 50-80mg/kg). Though there is no significant difference in the alley and adjoining farm, the alley farm may still run the risk of pollution due to human activities, fertilizer application and the use of pesticides which can increase the area beyond its present status.