Abstract
The worlds population is growing at an alarming rate amidst global hunger and soil nutrient deterioration. The objective of this study was the assessment characterization and nutrient imbalance diagnosis of important humid tropical acidic coastal soils of Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Soil samples were collected in triplicates from each of the five locations using an auger at 0–20 cm depth The samples were prepared and subjected to standard laboratory procedures. The experiment was laid in randomized complete block design (RCBD). Generated data were analyzed using analyses of variance and significant means were separated using LSD at 5% probability level. Results showed that soil pH ranged from 4.60 in Akaba to 5.40 in Ogbogoro, indicating strongly to moderately acidity. Soil organic carbon (SOC) ranged from 10.0 g/kg in Ikpetiama to 16.20 gkg-1 in Kpansia. Available phosphorus ranged from 3.75 mgkg-1 in Gbarama to 9.45 mgkg-1 in Kpansia, suggesting moderate availability. Exchangeable bases, calcium (4.78–7.58 cmolkg-1), magnesium (2.59–4.31 cmolkg-1), potassium (0.31–0.73 cmolkg-1). Fertility indexing showed that Akaba and Kpansia possessed comparatively better soil quality, Ogbogoro and Gbarama fell within the low fertility category, and Ikpetiama rated poorest due to combined acidity stress (1.43–1.85 cmolkg-1). Strong correlations between soil organic carbon, nitrogen, and base saturation underscore the importance of maintaining organic matter for sustained fertility. The obtained results of this study necessitates, pressing need for location- specific liming and nutrient management strategies to ameliorate soil acidity and optimize crop productivity in the soils of Yenagoa.
Keywords
soil acidity
nutrient imbalance
organic carbon
SAR
liming strategy
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How to Cite
Victor, E. J., Agim, L. C., Okon, M. A., & Moses‐ Okoro, L. O. (2025). Characterization and Nutrient Imbalance Diagnosis of Important Humid Tropical Acidic Coastal Soils of Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. AgroEnvironmental Sustainability, 3(4), 360–373. https://doi.org/10.59983/s2025030405
