ASSESSMENT OF PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF FERRUGINOUS ULTISOL IN BENIN CITY, EDO STATE - POSSIBLE IMPACT ON PLANT DISTRIBUTION.

The current study investigate the physico-chemical properties as well as nutrient content of ferruginous soils (FS) in Benin and its possible impact on plant distribution. Six FS and a control were sampled from different regions within Benin metropolis and were analyzed for physico-chemical properties following standard procedures. The FS were observed to be acidic as compared to the control which is slightly acidic. Soil organic matter, available phosphorus, cation exchange capacity, water holding capacity and total nitrogen were significantly low (p<0.05) in the FS comparative to the control soil. Iron levels were higher in the FS than the control soil. Significant differences were observed in species frequency between the ferruginous regions. Eleusine indica was observed as the most abundant in all the sampled regions. The FS obtained from Ekenwa road, Benin-City (F1) showed poorest fertility properties and low species abundance as well as high iron levels compared to other ferruginous regions. The study recommends sustainable improvement of ferruginous soils in Benin-City for improved agricultural yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]