Volume 35 (2026)

1

Research Article

Soil Physical and Chemical Spatial Patterns under Land Use Intensification in a Nigerian Protected Area

Adesina Abudlkabir Wahab^*, Kabir Kayode Adebayo, Toyeeb Abayomi Abioye, Yusuf Folorunso Abdulkareem

Population growth, food demand, and low farm income drive landuse intensification and encroachment into protected areas. Landuse intensification within protected landscapes alters soil physical and chemical properties with implications for ecosystem stability. This study quantified soil variability across four land-use types (LUTs): long-term reserved forest (>10 years; RAG), recently reclaimed re...

Jun, 2026 pp. 276 - 293

2

Research Article

Comparative evaluation of chitosan-based biopolymer and conventional phosphorus extractants on phosphorus availability, soil pH dynamics, and maize agronomic performance in amended soils

Ganiyu Bankole^*, Adeoba Courage Aghorunse, Festus Adelana, Racheal Ayo Buzugbe, Sheriff Adewuyi, Jamiu Oladipupo Azeez

Phosphorus (P) availability in tropical soils is commonly restricted by strong fixation processes, mainly through adsorption onto iron and aluminum oxides and precipitation with calcium compounds, which significantly reduce its mobility and plant utilization. This study evaluated the effectiveness of chitosan-based biosorbents (nZvFe-CLCB) relative to conventional extractants (Bray-1 and Olsen) in...

Jun, 2026 pp. 222 - 241

3

Research Article DOI: 10.67042/njss.2026.en5g3nqd

Characterization and Classification of Selected Soils Formed on a Planar Surface in Wukari, Nigeria

Yasin Agono Awwal^*, Sadiq Fatihu Kabir, Gisilanbe S A, David Janet Emye

This study investigates the properties and variability of selected pedons in Wukari, Nigeria, focusing on their characterization and classification. Field soil profile description and laboratory analyses were conducted to assess morphological, physical, and chemical properties. Soil samples were collected from identified horizons and analyzed for selected properties. Genetic classification was per...

May, 2026 pp. 242 - 259

4

Research Article DOI: 10.67042/njss.2026.45h6g95h

Soil Fertility Management among Cucumber (Cucumis Sativus L.) Farmers in Ibadan, South-West Nigeria

Utibeabasi Brownson^*, OLOGUNDUDU, O. M., OMONIYI J, AdeOluwa O. O

Poor soil fertility reduces the yield, market value, and sustainable production of cucumber. This study examined soil fertility practices among cucumber farmers in Ibadan. A purposive sampling method was used to select 10% of cucumber farmers from six blocks, namely Akinyele, Lagelu, Egbeda, OnaAra, Oluyole, and Iddo in Ibadan-Ibarapa agricultural zone, Oyo State. A structured questionnaire was ...

May, 2026 pp. 144 - 157

5

Research Article DOI: 10.67042/njss.2026.azj0vlth

Microplastic Contamination Alters Soil Hydraulic Properties and Inhibits Maize Growth: A Factorial Assessment Across Contrasting Soil Textures.

EJI EJOR TANGBAN^*, OGUIKE, P. C., NNAJI, G. U., BENJAMIN, J. I.

Microplastic pollution in agricultural soils constitutes an emerging threat to food security, yet the interactive influence of soil texture and contamination intensity on crop productivity remains inadequately characterized. A 3 × 4 factorial pot experiment was conducted under controlled conditions at Bendeghe Ekiem, Cross River State, Nigeria, to evaluate the combined effects of high-density poly...

May, 2026 pp. 242 - 260

6

Research Article DOI: 10.67042/njss.2026.qvpk6mz7

Comparative Mineralogical Analysis of Epigeal and Arboreal Termite Nests using Modern Analytical Techniques

Sharhabil Musa Yahaya^*, Omolola Helen Aremu, Aminu Abdullahi, Mohammed Adewumi Abdulrasak, Sa’adatu Eri Mohammed, Naseer Inuwa Durumin Iya, Augusta O. Mmuoegbulam, Abdulsalam I. Galadima, Micheal Abiodun Oluyide, Folahan A Adekola, Simphiwe M Nelana, Michael J Klink, Olushola Sunday Ayanda

Termites are generally known to be destructive to woody materials and are of benefit to agricultural sector as they improve the fertility of soil and recycle organic matter. Termite nests such as arboreal, epigeal, hypogeal amongst others are being built by termites and have received great attention due to its diverse complex architectural structures and its utilization by researchers for diverse ...

May, 2026 pp. 279-292

7

Research Article DOI: 10.67042/njss.2026.9vd0xwaq

The vertical mobility of nitrogen with poultry and sheep manures amendment on degraded Ultisols in Owerri, Southeastern Nigeria

HABEEBAH SAKA^*, Bethel Ugochukwu Uzoho, Solomon Oladimeji Olagunju, Musiliat Mopelola Onaolapo

A randomized complete block design experiment was conducted for two years, two locations per year and three months per location with three replications. The rates of dried, milled pure poultry and sheep manures incorporated per location at the onset of the research were 0, 30 and 60 % N. Initial soils and manures were analyzed for macro nutrients. Soil samples collected weekly, bi-weekly and month...

May, 2026 pp. 203-221

8

Research Article DOI: 10.67042/njss.2026.4ne3df7k

Occurrence of multi-class pesticide residues in soils of selected farmlands and farmer’s household surroundings in the southwestern part of Oyo State, Nigeria

Shade Akinsete^*, Ibiwumi K. Saliu

The indiscriminate use of pesticides for crop production in Nigeria has led to contamination of the environment. Specifically, soil contamination from pesticide residues, including banned compounds raises serious public and environmental health concerns. However, very little is known about the occurrence of pesticides in Nigerian soils. Therefore, this study investigated the occurrence and concent...

May, 2026 pp. 75 - 89

9

Research Article DOI: 10.67042/njss.2026.zbzklrca

Enhancing Soil Quality and Sustainable Agriculture: A Review of Black Plum (Syzygium cumini) for Soil Amendment and Productivity

AKANBI Olorunfemi Sunday Ojo^*, Isaac Kayode Oyewusi, Adegbala, A. A, Nduka B. A., Ipinmoroti, R.R.,

Jamun (Syzygium cumini), widely known as black plum, is a highly adaptable fruit-bearing tree with exceptional nutritional, medicinal, and ecological advantages. Despite its resilience in tropical and semi-arid regions, especially in areas like Northern Nigeria, its integration into formal agricultural systems remains minimal. This review synthesizes current findings on the plant’s agronomic trait...

May, 2026 pp. 183 - 190

10

Research Article DOI: 10.67042/njss.2026.hmo1ib1r

Assessment of Soil Organic Matter Determination Techniques in Tropical Soils: Correlation Among Four Methods as Indicators of Plant Growth Potential

Toyin Blessing Odelana^*, Adedoyin Adepoju, Oladele Abdulahi Oguntade, Babajide Saheed Kosemani, Adebanke Ayooluwa Olubode, Jamiu Oladipupo Azeez

Soil organic matter (SOM) is a key indicator of soil fertility, yet variability among analytical methods limits its reliable interpretation, particularly in tropical soils. This study evaluated four SOM determination methods—Walkley–Black (WB), loss on ignition (LOI), colorimetric (COL), and hydrogen peroxide (HP)—and examined their relationships with maize growth under contrasting parent material...

May, 2026 pp. 115 - 143

11

Research Article DOI: 10.67042/njss.2026.tmq56tur

BIOACCUMULATION OF HEAVY METALS IN SOILS, Talinum triangulare and Celosia argentea LEAVES GROWN AROUND TEMBOGA RIVERBANK, BENIN CITY NIGERIA

EMOMU Adams^*, OGBE Victor Etunim

Heavy metal levels in soils may result in heavy metal entry into the food chain, the study aimed at accessing concentration of heavy metals (Cd, Ni, Pb) in soils, Talinium triangulare and C. argentea leaf grown along Temboga Riverbank. Surface (0-15 cm) soil, T. triangulare and C. argentea leaf samples were collected randomly from Temboga Riverbank (RB), 60 meters from RB (60MRB) and 120 meters fr...

May, 2026 pp. 107 - 114

12

Research Article DOI: 10.67042/njss.2026.lqw50lj0

Laboratory Assessment of Basalt Dust Incubation on the Physical Properties of Contrasting Soils in Nigeria

IBRAHIM RASHEED^*, Akinbile Oluwakunmi Christopher, Ewulo Babatunde Sunday, Ayodele Olumuyiwa Owolabi, Audu Luqman Muhammed

The effects of different application rates, particle sizes, and incubation periods of basalt dust on the selected physical properties of contrasting soils incubated for 90-day was evaluated in this study. A factorial arrangement with a 4×2×4 completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications was adopted. Air-dried and sieved soil samples collected from Auchi and Agbede town were treated ea...

Apr, 2026 pp. 1 - 16

13

Research Article DOI: 10.67042/njss.2026.d0mrov1a

DETAILED PEDOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF DALORI SOILS, UNIVERSITY OF MAIDUGURI FARMLAND, SUDAN SAVANNA, NIGERIA

Ibrahim Babagana Buji^*, Turajo A., Talha I. Z

This study was conducted in 2023 at the University of Maiduguri farmland, Dalori, Konduga Local Government Area, Borno State, Northeastern Nigeria (latitudes 11°46.758′–11°47.116′ N, longitudes 13°12.744′–13°13.188′ E) to characterize the soils of the area. Morphological and physico-chemical properties of twenty-seven (27) soil samples were analyzed from identified genetic horizons of six (6) pedo...

Apr, 2026 pp. 90 - 106

14

Research Article DOI: 10.67042/njss.2026.99k6gy9t

Land Assessment for Cocoa Cultivation in Opeji Village, Odeda Local Government Area, Ogun State

Olasoji Hannah Olufemi^*, Ogunlade M O, Asowata A F, Olasoji D J

The need to increase cocoa production due to its relevance to Nigeria’s economy in the last few years necessitated this study. The study was carried out to assess the soils suitability and fertility evaluation for cocoa production. 1 soil profile was established and described; and bulked samples taken at a depth of 0-20cm and 20-40cm depth. Collected soil samples were analyzed and results showed t...

Apr, 2026 pp. 191 - 201

15

Research Article DOI: 10.67042/njss.2026.0cgpi5p3

Poultry manure rate affects growth, yield and pest infestation of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)

Olubukola Odeyemi^*, Makinde E A, Filani C O, Makinde A I, Akindoyin G E

Cultivation of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is on the increase in Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State in response to increasing demands. However, nutrient deficiency and insect pests are major constraints to cultivation. This study determined the poultry manure (PM) rate required for optimum growth, fruit yield and reduced pest infestation on cucumber from field trials carried out i...

Apr, 2026 pp. 28 - 45

16

Research Article DOI: 10.67042/njss.2026.hhjtguph

Synergistic effects of poultry manure and 2,4-epibrassinolide on soil properties and performance of groundnut in the rainforest of Nigeria

Victoria Otie^*

The growth and yield response of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) to fertilizer and other crop management inputs on Nigerian soils derived from coastal plain sands has been little studied. This greenhouse evaluation was aimed to determine the impact of chicken manure (CM) and 2,4-epibrassinolide (BR) on the growth and yield of groundnut. Four levels of CM: 0, 5, 10 and 15 tons/ha denoted as CM0, C...

Mar, 2026 pp. 53 - 64

17

Research Article DOI: 10.67042/njss.2026.dw8i5g1e

Impact of Littered Sachet Water Plastics on Soil Infiltration Capacity in Agricultural Lands of Gwagwalada, Nigeria

Hadiza Hadiza Abubakar Ahmad^*

The ubiquitous consumption and indiscriminate disposal of sachet water plastics across Nigeria have exacerbated environmental degradation, particularly affecting soil health in agricultural landscapes. Recent studies reveal that polyethylene-based microplastics, which dominate sachet water waste, can significantly alter soil structure, reduce porosity, and limit microbial diversity, thereby degrad...

Mar, 2026 pp. 42 - 53

18

Research Article DOI: 10.67042/njss.2026.7nod11h1

Comparative Assessment of Indigenous and Exotic Tree Species for Phytoremediation of Heavy Metal-Contaminated Soils in Southwest Nigeria.

Olayiwola Victor^*

The growth and overall health of a tree can be negatively impacted by various contaminants, and the specific concentration at which these effects occur can differ from one tree species to another, as well as between different contaminants. This study aimed to explore the phytoremediation potential of Tectona grandis, Gmelina arborea, Shorea roxburghii, Terminalia ivorensis, and Terminalia superba ...

Mar, 2026 pp. 18 - 26

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