Micronutrient Interactions and their Relationship with Soil Properties in Zagga Savannah Soils, Kebbi State, Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64137/3108088X/IJAES-V1I2P105Keywords:
Micronutrients, Soil properties, Interactions, Savannah soils, Kebbi stateAbstract
Micronutrient deficiencies in savannah soils are a critical constraint to crop production, yet their specific interactions with underlying soil properties are often poorly quantified. This study investigated the relationships between DTPA-extractable micronutrients (Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn) and key soil properties (pH, organic matter, clay content) across eight representative pedons in the Zagga District of Kebbi State, Nigeria, within the Northern Guinea Savannah. Standard laboratory methods were used for soil and micronutrient analysis, and data were examined using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis. The results revealed distinct control mechanisms: Zn availability showed a moderate positive correlation with clay content (r = +0.46), Fe exhibited a strong negative correlation with pH (r = –0.74), and Cu was strongly positively correlated with organic matter (r = +0.75). Manganese availability was associated with both pH and organic matter (r = +0.64 and +0.42, respectively). These correlations highlight that micronutrient availability in these soils is predominantly governed by specific physicochemical properties—texture, pH, and organic matter—rather than total content alone. The study concludes that effective micronutrient management must transition from a blanket approach to a predictive, soil property-based framework. Recommendations include texture-specific Zn fertilization, pH-aware Fe management, and systematic organic matter enhancement for Cu and Mn sustainability, providing a targeted pathway to improve crop nutrition and productivity in these soils.
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