Effect of Land Use and Soil Depth on Soil Phosphorus Fractions

The aims of the experiments were to determine the effect of land use and soil depths on soil phosphorus fractions. Soil samples were taken systematically from dug profile pits at 0-20, 20-40 and 40-60 cm. Soil samples were characterized and P fractionation analyses were done in triplicates using standard procedures. Data generated were analysed using Statistical Analyses System (SAS) software. Results indicated that soil P forms are in the order of abundance: available P > Al and Fe P > residual P > Ca P > labile P. Total P content of the soil is concentrated at the 0-20 cm soil depth. The values of the soil total P in order of abundance among the land use is fadama farm > fallow land > oil palm plantation > agroforestry > plantain plantation > cassava farm. Fadama soil had the highest amount of the soil P forms while cassava farm soil and plantain plantation soil had the least values. There is the accumulation of soil P forms at 40-60 cm depth in the fadama farm. The negative nutrient balance and the sandy texture of cassava and plantain are probably responsible for the low P forms. Soil P forms are positively correlated.