IIARD International Institute of Academic Research and Development

International Journal of Agriculture and Earth Science (IJAES )

E- ISSN 2489-0081
P- ISSN 2695-1894
VOL. 11 NO. 4 2025
DOI: 10.56201/ijaes.vol.11.no4.2025.pg144.152

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Isolation And Identification of Nitrogen Fixing Bacteria at The Rhizosphere of Maize Cultivated Within Three Area NDU Teaching and Research Farm, Ogobiri and Amasoma

Adesina Akeem Akorede and Tate Josheph Oyinbrakemi

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Abstract

This study presents a comparative analysis of soil physical properties across three selected locations—Ogobiri, Amassoma, and Niger Delta University (NDU)—in Bayelsa State, Nigeria, with the aim of assessing their implications for agricultural land use and soil management. Soil samples were collected at two depths (0–15 cm and 15–30 cm) and analyzed for texture, bulk density, porosity, and microbial characteristics. Results showed that soils across all sites were predominantly sandy loam or loam, with varying proportions of sand, silt, and clay. Amassoma soils recorded the highest porosity (75%) and lowest bulk density (0.65 g/cm³), indicating better soil aeration and potential for root penetration, while Ogobiri soils showed higher bulk density (1.05 g/cm³), potentially limiting plant root development. NDU recorded the highest sand content (81.2%) at surface level, indicating lower water-holding capacity but good drainage. Microbial analysis revealed a high concentration of colony-forming units (CFUs) across all sites, with Bacillus spp. (rod-shaped bacteria) dominating Ogobiri and NDU topsoils, while Cocci spp. (spherical bacteria) were prevalent in Amassoma soils. The presence of beneficial microbial communities and their abundance, especially in NDU and Ogobiri, suggests high microbial activity that could enhance soil fertility and nutrient cycling. The findings suggest that Amassoma soils, with higher porosity and loam texture, are most suitable for crop cultivation, particularly maize, due to favorable physical and microbial characteristics. Ogobiri and NDU soils, while still agriculturally viable, may require amendments or specific management practices to improve water retention and reduce compaction. This study underscores the importance of site-specific soil evaluation for optimized land use planning and sustainable agriculture in the Niger Delta region.

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