BASELINE DETERMINATION OF MICRONUTRIENTS IN THE SOILS OF SELECTED FARMS IN LOKOJA AND ITS ENVIRONS, KOGI STATE: A PATHWAY TO ADDRESSING HIDDEN HUNGER-RELATED ISSUES

Abstract

Three agricultural farms in Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria - Federal University Lokoja (FUL), Kogi State Polytechnic (KSP), and the Kogi State Ministry of Agriculture (KSM) - were the subjects of this study, which created a baseline evaluation of the soil micronutrient status. Significant differences were found when key physicochemical properties were analyzed: FUL and KSP soils were moderately acidic to near neutral (pH 5.18- 6.43), whereas KSM soils were highly acidic (pH 2.70- 3.72 via the KCl method). KSM soils had the highest soil organic matter (SOM) and cation exchange capacity (CEC), reaching up to 12.26% and 60.69 cmol_c/Kg, respectively. Principal Component Analysis confirmed that SOM and CEC were the main factors differentiating the soils and controlling micronutrient retention. For example, zinc (Zn) levels ranged from 8.54 to 44.23 mg/kg, while some nickel (Ni) concentrations (98.82 mg/kg) exceeded the 50 mg/kg toxicity threshold. Atomic Absorption Spectrometry revealed correspondingly high concentrations of Iron (up to 126,410.55 mg/kg) and Copper (211.32 mg/kg) in KSM soils, due to their high SOM and CEC. The results establish a crucial baseline for soil health, showing that KSM soils need pH amelioration to increase availability and reduce possible nickel toxicity, even though they are rich in some micronutrients. To maximize crop productivity in the area, site-specific soil management is advised.