Suitability Assessment of Lands Near Oil Exploration Field for Farming Purpose in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State
Abstract
This study evaluated the suitability of lands located close to and distant oil exploration fields for farming practics 2025. The experiment was experimented in four groups among localities within Delta Central of Delta State, Nigeria ( Emadadja, Ubogo, Ukpiovwin, and Otor-Udu) in Udu LGA which lies approximately between latitudes 5°15′ N and 5°30′ N and longitudes 5°40′ E and 7° 00′ E. Soil samples were taken from 0-20 and 20-40 cm depth at 10 meters intervals along transverses cut at 80 m apart. Collected soil samples were assessed for selected chemical attributes (Soil pH, organic matter, Total nitrogen and available phosphorus), physical variables (Soil texture, bulk density, total porosity and water holding capacity) and soil micro available nutrients (Iron, Manganese, Copper and Zinc mg kg-1). Data collected for chemical, physical and heavy metals were analysed statistically using one way analysis of variance, and means were separated using least significance differences at 5% level of significance. Results of the study stated that soils were predominantly sandy (80.33 – 82.33%), with bulk density 1.27–1.33 g cm−3, porosity 50.00 – 52.33%, and water holding capacity 31.00–33.67%. Under chemical properties, soil pH ranged from 4.83 to 6.05, indicating generally acidic conditions. Organic carbon was 1.30–3.98%, organic matter ranged from 2.24 – 6.86, total nitrogen 0.15 – 0.43% and available phosphorus 4.75 – 9.05 mg kg-1. Heavy metals in soils varied significantly among locations with range of Pb (3.00 – 75.02 mg kg−1), Cd (0.22–0.37 mg kg−1), Cr (4.72–14.47 mg kg−1), and Hg (1.52–2.76 mg kg−1). The highest soil Pb occurred at Emadadja-Far (75.02 mg kg−1) and Cr at Emadadja-Near (14.47 mg kg−1), while Hg concentrations were relatively higher at Ukpiovwin-Near and Ubogo-Near (2.76 mg kg−1). Key words: suitability, lands, oil, exploration, fields, farming practics
Keywords
suitabilitylandsoilexplorationfieldsfarming practics
References
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