Extractable Zinc and Copper in Hydromorphic Soils Developed on Basement Complex Rocks and Sedimentary Rocks in Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

The growing awareness of the enormous potential of hydromorphic soils (fadama) and the realization of their potentials necessitates taking the inventory of their micronutrients status. This study determined the status of extractable zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) in two hydromorphic soils, developed on basement complex rocks (BCR) and sedimentary rocks (SR) in Niger State, Nigeria. Soil samples were collected randomly from two soil depths, 0-20 cm and 20-50 cm. Extractable Zn and Cu were extracted with 0.1 N HCl. The two soils are slightly acidic with high N, Ca, Mg and K fertility status, thus indicating their high potential for agricultural production. The soils have relatively high extractable Zn ( > 4.17 mg kg-1). Extractable Cu ranged from 0.47 mg kg-1 to 2.20 mg kg-1 in both soils. There was no significant relationship between the extractable Zn and Cu and sand, silt, clay, soil pH, organic carbon and ECEC. The two soils are currently sufficient in Zn and Cu for successful growth of most crops