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European Journal of Applied Sciences – Vol. 10, No. 6
Publication Date: December 25, 2022
DOI:10.14738/aivp.106.13362. Iyama, W. A., Timothy, M. N., Egbunefu, C. O., Emejuru, W. S., Samuel-Harry, F., & Edori, O. S. (2022). Comparative Assessment of
Soil Fertility Status of Aged and Abandoned Rumuolumeni Dumpsite, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. European Journal of Applied Sciences,
10(6). 266-278.
Services for Science and Education – United Kingdom
Comparative Assessment of Soil Fertility Status of Aged and
Abandoned Rumuolumeni Dumpsite, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Iyama, William Azuka
Rivers State College of Health Sciences and Management
Technology, Oro-Owo, Rumueme, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Timothy, Michael Nakara
Rivers State College of Health Sciences and Management
Technology, Oro-Owo, Rumueme, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Egbunefu, Chukwudi Omeni
Rivers State College of Health Sciences and Management
Technology, Oro-Owo, Rumueme, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Emejuru, Woroma Stella
Rivers State College of Health Sciences and Management
Technology, Oro-Owo, Rumueme, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Samuel-Harry, Fanny
Rivers State College of Health Sciences and Management
Technology, Oro-Owo, Rumueme, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Edori, Onisogen Simeon
Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuolumeni
Port Harcourt, Nigeria
ABSTRACT
The levels of pH and soil organic parameters around a solid waste dumpsite
receiving untreated wastes from several sources though abandoned for over 10
years and a control site within Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, Nigeria was assessed.
The top soil of depth, 0–15cm was collected and analysed for pH and alkalinity
values, conductivity, total nitrogen, moisture content, total organic carbon (TOC),
total organic matter (TOM), and available phosphorus using standard methods. The
results were; pH (2.62±0.00 -6.52±0.00), electrical conductivity, EC, μS/) (850±4.95
-1088±1.00), % moisture content (21.51±0.00 -24.74±0.00), % total organic carbon,
TOC (2.22±0.02 -3.68±0.02), % total organic matter, TOM (3.396±0.00 -6.393±0.00),
% total nitrogen (0.110±0.00 -0.186±0.00), % Phosphorus (1.360±0.00 -
2.216±0.00) and alkalinity, mg/kg as 3.816±0.00 -8.15±0.00). The results showed
that the waste dump contributed to the high levels of nutrients and heavy
metals. The % spatial variation showed pH, % moisture content, TOC, % total
nitrogen, % P above 90% for station A while Conductivity, % moisture content, TOM
for station B and conductivity, % moisture content and TOM for station C were also
above 90%. The % variation from the control also indicate that station B for pH, TOC
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Iyama, W. A., Timothy, M. N., Egbunefu, C. O., Emejuru, W. S., Samuel-Harry, F., & Edori, O. S. (2022). Comparative Assessment of Soil Fertility
Status of Aged and Abandoned Rumuolumeni Dumpsite, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. European Journal of Applied Sciences, 10(6). 266-278.
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.14738/aivp.106.13362
and alkalinity were above 90 % whereas in station A, only % total nitrogen (7.46%)
and B (5.46%) were below 10 %. This is an indication of depletion in % nitrogen
and the pH, alkalinity of the study soil is of toxic level for good soil fertility. The
ANOVA result showed that there was no significant difference in the spatial fertility
level for the organic parameters (P<0.05). There is need to control planting on this
soil locations due to the acidic levels and organic matter contents which have been
affected by age, leaching and demineralization processes.
Keywords: solid waste dumpsite, Rumuolumeni, spatial variation, Total organic carbon,
% Phosphorus, conductivity
INTRODUCTION
The pH is the degree of acidity of alkalinity of the soil and is very essential in the kind of plant,
organisms and activities prevalent in such vicinity. The major focus of this article is to assess
the developmental variations associated with aged and abandoned solid waste dumpsites due
to both pyrogenic (decompositions by microorganisms) and cold aqueous solutions (from
precipitation). Studies have shown that Solid wastes are of continuous daily operations due to
human population explosion and development [1-4] (Karak et al., 2012, Akintola, 2014,
Essienubong et al., 2019; Mouhoun-Chouaki et al., 2019). Hazardous materials may be
produced from the environmental processes and hence contaminate the ecosystem [5, 6]
(Beyene & Banerjee, 2011; Kebede et al., 2016).
There is the seemingly emerging focus on the increasing use of abandoned dumpsites being
used as organic manures to aid plant and crop growth, which is also a danger due to
contamination [2] (Akintola, 2014). Studies has revealed that pH has unswerving relationship
with soil chemical properties and nutrients is made available to plants in higher concentration
at pH value of 6.5-7.5 [8, 9] (Whalen, 2000; Praveena & Rao, 2016). Thus, it is a major property
that determines numerous chemical processes that occurs in soil [10] (Chng et al., 2014).
Studies have also revealed that pH has steady trend with soil chemical properties and nutrients
readily more to plants at pH value of 6.5-7.5 ranges [8, 9] (Whalen, 2000; Praveena & Rao,
2016).
According to Dominquez et al. [11] (2019), organic matter on soil and its maintenance are of
high positive impacts at sustaining adequate soil quality and sustainability as artificial
fertilizers can lead to soil organic matter depletion). Population explosion without
commensurate increase in food production due to human quest for white collar jobs has led to
high demand in food and other agricultural products. The high cost of fertilizers has compelled
farmers to the use of solid wastes as composts for improvement of lost fertility. It has also been
observed that continuous use of compost materials more available in aged dumpsites, may lead
to excess organic matter of some kind which may also be detrimental to crop fertility [12]
(Akintola et al., 2021).
The objective of this study is to determine the concentration of soil organic matter content and
assess the fertility level and hence suitability for planting. This is because there is the tendency
of increased organic matter due to the presence of organic matter though a mixed waste
dumpsite.
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European Journal of Applied Sciences (EJAS) Vol. 10, Issue 6, December-2022
Services for Science and Education – United Kingdom
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Description of Study Area
Port Harcourt is the capital city of the oil rich Niger Delta State of Rivers Nigeria. It lies along
the Bonny River and Longitudes of 6°59'55" and Latitude of 4°47'21" with the population of
about 1,382,592 as of 2006 which has grown to 1,865,000 inhabitants as at 2016 [13](Arizona- Ogwu, 2011). This is about 34% increase in population within a period of 10 years. The current
metro area population of Port Harcourt in 2022 is 3,325,000, a 4.86% increase from 2021. The
metro area population of Port Harcourt in 2021 was 3,171,000, a 5% increase from 2020. The
metro area population of Port Harcourt in 2020 was 3,020,000, a 5.12% increase from 2019.
The area covered by Port Harcourt was 15.54 km2 in 1914 but grew to 360 km2 by the 1980s
due to modernization and urbanization. The study by Ogbonna et al. [14] (2007) estimated a
total of 207.3 tons of solid waste generation giving per capita annual waste generation rate of
0.53 t equivalent to a waste generator rate of 1.45 kg/capita daily. Rumuolumeni is a
community in Obio-Akpor local government council of Rivers State and a major hub of
industrial and commercial activities. Most especially is the host to the Ignatius Ajuru University
of Education where domestic waste generation is estimated to be very high due to increased
resident population.
Source: Iyama and Edori [15] (2020)
Study Location
The study locations at the Rumuolumeni main campus of the Ignatius Ajuru University of
Education were latitude A (N 04052’56.10’’) and longitude (E 007000’47.1’’), Station B (N
04052’56.2’’) and longitude (E 007000’46.4’’)and station C(N 04052’56.0’’) and longitude (E
007000’46.1’’) respectively.
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Iyama, W. A., Timothy, M. N., Egbunefu, C. O., Emejuru, W. S., Samuel-Harry, F., & Edori, O. S. (2022). Comparative Assessment of Soil Fertility
Status of Aged and Abandoned Rumuolumeni Dumpsite, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. European Journal of Applied Sciences, 10(6). 266-278.
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.14738/aivp.106.13362
Research Design
The longitudinal survey research design was adopted because samples were taken and
analyzed from different points or stations in time. Integrated samples were collected using the
simple random sampling technique to form composite samples.
Statistical Analysis
This was done using mean, standard deviation, on- way ANOVA and 95% confidence intervals.
Instrumentation Technology and Sample Collection
The following technology were used for the determination of the study parameters
Parameters Technology References
pH Insitu pH meter Iyama & Edori [16] (2019)
Conductivity Jenway 4010 conductivity meter Ekeke & Okonwu [17] (2013)
% TOC
% TOM
wet oxidation method
Loss-On-Ignition (LOI) method
Nelson & Summers [18] (1996)
Walkley-Black chromic acid wet
oxidation
% Total Nitrogen Kjeldahl method Kalambe [19] (2021)
% Phosphorus Colourimetry (Mogen's method) Koralage et al. [] (2015)
Alkalinity Titrimetry Puyate & Rim-Rukeh [21] (2008)
A plasticsterilized hand trowel was used to collect the soil samples from the three locations at
the depth of 10cm and stored in clean polythene bags. Standard methods were used to
determine the physico-chemicals parameters. The pH was measured in water suspension using
the glass electrode coupled pH meter. Total organic carbon (TOC) is determined by treating an
aliquot of dried sample with sufficient phosphoric acid (1:1) to remove inorganic carbon prior
to instrument analysis. Percent TOC and TC are determined in sediments dried at 105°C.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Results
The results of this study is shown in Tables 1, 2 and 3 for stations A, B and C respectively
accompanied by their control station concentrations. Table 1 for station A, showed that the pH
recorded mean concentration range of 3.93±0.0-3.96±0.00 and control of 6.57±0.04;
conductivity (μS/cm ) as 850±4.95-863±4.24 and control as 142±4.56; moisture content as
21.51±0.01-21.53±0.01 and control as 16.45±2.32; total organic carbon (TOC, %) as 2.60±0.01-
2.63±0.01 while control was 3.36±0.02; total organic matter (TOM, %) as 4.554±0.00-
4.556±0.00 and control as 3.89±0.05; total nitrogen (%) as 0.130±0.00-0.138±0.00 and control
as 0.010±0.03; phosphorus (%) as 1.574±0.00-1.578±0.00 and control as 5.63±2.30 and
alkalinity 9mg/kg) as 4.650±0.00-4.654±0.00 and control as 7.56±3.50.
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Table 1: Physicochemical Composition of Abandoned Dumpsite Soil (Station A) Rumuolumeni- Port Harcourt
S/N
O
Parameters/ Units A1 A2 A3 Mean Control
1 pH units 3.93±0.02 3.96±0.00 3.96±0.00 3.96 6.57±0.04
2 Conductivity (μS/cm) 850±4.95 857±0.00 863±4.24 857 142±4.56
3 % Moisture content 21.52±0.00 21.51±0.0
1
21.53±0.01 21.52 16.45±2.3
2
4 % Total organic
carbon
2.60±0.01 2.63±0.01 2.61±0.00 2.610 3.360±0.0
2
5 % Total organic
matter
4.554±0.00 4.556±0.0
0
4.550±0.00 4.550 3.890±0.0
5
6 % Total nitrogen 0.130±0.00 0.134±0.0
0
0.138±0.00 0.134 0.010±0.0
3
7 % Phosphorus 1.574±0.00 1.576±0.0
0
1.578±0.00 1.576 5.630±2.3
0
8 Alkalinity (mg/kg) 4.652±0.00 4.654±0.0
0
4.650±0.00 4.652 7.560±3.5
0
Source: Field Survey (2022)
The physicochemical parameters, ranges and control concentrations are respectively given in
Table 2 as; pH units as 6.48±0.01-6.52±0.00 and 6.57±0.04; Conductivity (μS/cm) as
1050±4.24-1064±5.66 and 142±4.56; % Moisture content as 24.74±0.00 and 16.45±2.32; %
Total organic carbon as 3.62±0.02-3.68±0.02 and 3.36±0.02; % Total organic matter as
6.390±0.00-3.396±0.00 and 3.89±0.05; % Total nitrogen as 0.180±0.00-0.186±0.00 and
0.010±0.03; % Phosphorus as 2.210±0.00-2.216±0.00 and5.63±2.30 while Alkalinity (mg/kg)
was 8.148±0.00-8.150±0.00 and 7.56±3.50.
Table 2: Physicochemical Composition of Abandoned Dumpsite Soil (Station B)
S/N
O
Parameters/ Units B B2 B3 Mean Control
1 pH units 6.48±0.01 6.50±0.00 6.52±0.00 6.50 6.57±0.04
2 Conductivity (μS/cm) 1050±4.24 1054±1.4
1
1064±5.66 1056 142±4.56
3 % Moisture content 24.74±0.00 24.74±0.0
0
24.74±0.00 24.74 16.45±2.3
2
4 % Total organic
carbon
3.62±0.02 3.68±0.02 3.65±0.00 3.65 3.36±0.02
5 % Total organic
matter
6.393±0.00 6.390±0.0
0
3.396±0.00 6.394 3.890±0.0
5
6 % Total nitrogen 0.180±0.00 0.183±0.0
0
0.186±0.00 0.183 0.010±0.0
3
7 % Phosphorus 2.210±0.00 2.213±0.0
0
2.216±0.00 2.213 5.630±2.3
0
8 Alkalinity (mg/kg) 8.148±0.00 8.149±0.0
0
8.150±0.00 8.149 7.560±3.5
0
Source: Field Survey (2022)
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Iyama, W. A., Timothy, M. N., Egbunefu, C. O., Emejuru, W. S., Samuel-Harry, F., & Edori, O. S. (2022). Comparative Assessment of Soil Fertility
Status of Aged and Abandoned Rumuolumeni Dumpsite, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. European Journal of Applied Sciences, 10(6). 266-278.
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.14738/aivp.106.13362
Similarly, Table 3 gives the ranges and control concentrations for the physic-chemical
parameters respectively; pH as 2.62±0.01-2.66±0.00 and 6.57±0.04; Conductivity (μS/cm) as
1084±1.00-1088±1.00 and 142±4.56; % Moisture content as 22.69±0.00 and 16.45±2.32; %
Total organic carbon as 2.22±0.02- 2.28±0.02 and 3.36±0.02; % Total nitrogen as .110±0.00-
0.115±0.00 and 0.010±0.03; % Phosphorus as 1.360±0.00-1.366±0.01 and 5.63±2.30 and
alkalinity (mg/kg) as 3.817±0.00-3.818±0.00 and 7.56±3.50.
Table 3: Physicochemical Composition of Abandoned Dumpsite Soil (Station C)
S/N
O
Parameters/ Units C1 C2 C3 Mean Control
1 pH units 2.62±0.01 2.64±0.00 2.66±0.00 2.64 6.57±0.04
2 Conductivity (μS/cm) 1086±0.00 1084±1.0
0
1088±1.00 1086 142±4.56
3 % Moisture content 22.69±0.00 22.69±0.0
0
22.69±0.00 22.69 16.45±2.3
2
4 % Total organic
carbon
2.25±0.00 2.28±0.02 2.22±0.02 2.25 3.36±0.02
5 % Total organic
matter
6.393±0.00 6.390±0.0
0
3.396±0.00 6.393 3.890±0.0
5
6 % Total nitrogen 0.113±0.00 0.110±0.0
0
0.115±0.00 0.113 0.010±0.0
3
7 % Phosphorus 1.365±0.00 1.366±0.0
1
1.360±0.00 1.364 5.603±2.3
0
8 Alkalinity (mg/kg) 3.817±0.00 3.818±0.0
0
3.816±0.00 3.817 7.560±3.5
0
Source: Field Survey (2022)
Table 4: Mean and Spatial % Variation of Soil Concentration for Studied Parameters
%
Variation
Parameters Mean
A B C
pH units 4.37 90.62 66.15 60.14
Conductivity μS/cm 1000 85.70 94.70 92.08
% moisture 22.98 93.65 92.89 98.74
TOC % 2.84 91.90 77.81 79.23
TOM % 5.78 78.72 90.40 90.41
Total Nitrogen % 0.143 93.71 79.23 79.02
% Phosphorus 1.718 91.73 77.63 79.39
Alkalinity (mg/kg) 5.539 83.99 67.97 68.91
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Table 5: % variation from the control for the studied parameters
%
Variation
Parameters
A B C
pH units 60.27 98.93 40.18
Conductivity μS/cm 16.57 13.45 13.08
% moisture 76.44 66.45 72.50
TOC % 77.68 92.05 66.96
TOM % 85.49 60.84 60.85
Total Nitrogen % 7.46 5.46 8.85
% Phosphorus 27.99 39.31 24.23
Alkalinity (mg/kg) 61.53 92.77 50.49
Discussion
The pH of soil is the degree of acidity or alkalinity and this study soil has recorded ranges of
very extremely low pH to slightly acidic range. A pH range of 6 to 7 is generally most favourable
for plant growth because most plant nutrients are readily available in this range but neutral
soils have pH ranges of 6.5-7.5 (USDA, 1998). This aged and abandoned dumpsite recorded an
average pH range of 2.64 (C)-6.50 (B) showing a lower limit of high acidity and upper limit
favourable for plant growth in consonance with the earlier studies [22, 23, 17, 24] (Chima et
al.,2013 ; Ifenna & Osuji, 2013; Ekeke and Okonwu, 2013; Irunkwor & Ngeregbara, 2018). This
was though lower pH compared to those of Salem et al. (2020) 6.88-7.32 in all the seasons. Soil
pH influences the solubility of nutrients and affects the activity of micro-organisms responsible
for breaking down organic matter and most chemical transformations in the soil. Soil pH thus
affects the availability of several plant nutrients [25] (USDA, 1998). Soil pH is one of several
properties used as a general indicator of soil reactivity. Generally, soils that are either highly
alkaline or highly acid are likely to be corrosive to steel which was shown in station C and may
not be suitable for most plants and soil agriculturally friendly organisms. Soils that have pH of
5.5 or lower are likely to be highly corrosive to concrete. The very extremely high soil pH (2.64
in station C) is due to loss of organic matter, removal of soil minerals and surface layer erosion
and high level of precipitation in the study area especially the downward topography.
According to USDA [25] (1998), soils that have a pH below 5.5 generally have a low availability
of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. At these low pH’s, the solubility of aluminium, iron,
and boron is high; and low for molybdenum. At pH 7.8 or more, calcium and magnesium are
abundant. Molybdenum is also available if it is present in the soil minerals. High pH soils may
have an inadequate availability of iron, manganese, copper, zinc, and especially of phosphorus
and boron. Micro-organisms Soil pH affects many micro-organisms. A pH of 6.6 to 7.3 is
favourable for microbial activities that contribute to the availability of nitrogen, sulphur, and
phosphorus in soil [25] (USDA, 1998). This extremely acidic pH found in station C is also
extremely toxic to the soil as virtually plants and organisms may not survive except plants that
adapt to such harsh pH values. The most common classes of soil pH are: Extremely acid 3.5-4.4,
Very strongly acid 4.5-5.0, strongly acid 5.1-5.5, and moderately acid 5.6 -6.0, slightly acid 6.1-
6.5, neutral 6.6-7.3, slightly alkaline 7.4-7.8, moderately alkaline 7.9-8.4, and strongly alkaline
8.5-9.0 [25] (USDA, 1998). Table 4 shows the spatial percentage variation for stations A, B and
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Iyama, W. A., Timothy, M. N., Egbunefu, C. O., Emejuru, W. S., Samuel-Harry, F., & Edori, O. S. (2022). Comparative Assessment of Soil Fertility
Status of Aged and Abandoned Rumuolumeni Dumpsite, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. European Journal of Applied Sciences, 10(6). 266-278.
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.14738/aivp.106.13362
C as 90.62, 66.15 and 60.41 respectively for the pH but the % variation from control for stations
A, B, C were 60.27, 98.93 and 40.18 as in Table 5.
Electrical conductivity (EC) can also be taken as measure of the ease a given water sample has
to allow flow of electrical current. It also shows the potential of the ionizable dissolved mineral
salts content in the water (specific conductance). Soil electrical conductivity (EC, μS/cm) is a
measure of the amount of salts in soil (salinity of soil) and the study has shown a range of
857(station A)-1086(station C).This does not agree with previous research study soil in Port
Harcourt which had 23.94, ranges of 104-142 in Obigbo, Port Harcourt and 58-200 in abattoir
soil and 208-404 in Uniport medical dumpsite soil respectively [17,23, 26, 27] (Ekeke &
Okonwu, 2013; Ifenna & Osuji, 2013; Edori & Iyama, 2017; Osayande & Nwokedi, 2019). This
extreme EC may be due to the age of over 8-10 years abandoned waste dump hence leaching
and mineralization due to the very low acidic soil. This is also at high variance with that of Kpee
and Edori [28] (2021) at adjacent community of Mgbuodia, Rumuolumeni which had a range of
2.9-4.6 μS/cm. This low pH hence high EC could be responsible for the solubilisation and release
of metal ions in the soil. Mean values of soil EC was 0.14–0.26 μS/cm in all seasons which was
extremely lower than that of this study (Salem et al., 2020). Table 4 shows the spatial
percentage variation for stations A, B and C as 85.70, 94.70 and 92.08 respectively for EC but
the % variation from control for stations A, B, C were 16.57, 13.45 and 13.08 (Table 5).
Soil moisture content according to Salim [29] (2021) is the amount of water available in the
unsaturated zone and affects thermal conductivity and can be used for water monitoring. The
moisture content was within the range of 21.52 (station A)-24.74 (station B) which was higher
than those of previous studies in similar locations [26, 28] (Edori & Iyama, 2017; Kpee & Edori,
2021). This higher moisture content is an accumulation over the years depending on the
precipitation rate. The high moisture content is essential for so many reasons such as; soil
forming processes and weathering depending on it, microorganisms require it for metabolic
actions, essential for photosynthesis, as nutrient, regulates soil temperature. Most plants thrive
better in soils of moisture level within range of 20-60% and this research study indicates falling
within that showing a good fertility for agricultural crop growth and yield. Table 4 shows the
spatial percentage variation for stations A, B and C as 93.65, 92.89 and 98.74 respectively for
the moisture content but the % variation from control for stations A, B, C were 76.44, 66.49 and
72.50.
Total organic carbon (TOC) is a measure of the carbon contained within soil organic matter but
can also mean the carbon (C) stored in soil organic matter (SOM). Organic carbon (OC) enters
the soil through the decomposition of plant and animal residues, root exudates, living and dead
microorganisms, and soil biota. The total organic carbon (TOC) is the difference between the
total carbon (TC) and the total inorganic carbon (TIC) contents (TOC = TC – TIC formula). The
best percentage of organic carbon for topsoil ranges from 0.5% to 3.0% organic carbon for most
upland soils. Soils with less than 0.5% organic carbon are mostly limited to desert areas. Soils
containing greater than 12–18% organic carbon are generally classified as organic soils. This
study recorded a range of 2.25 (station C) -3.65 (3.65 (station B). This showed that the present
study area has a favourable content of organic carbon for crop growth and development for soil
fertility in agriculture. This was similar to those recorded in similar terrain [23, 30, 28] (Ifenna
& Osuji, 2013; Iyama & Edori, 2021; Kpee & Edori, 2021). Higher values were obtained by
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Puyate and Rim-Rukeh [21] (2008) but relatively lower values by previous studies in similar
environments [22, 27] (Chima et al., 2013; Osayande & Nwokedi, 2019). The relatively lower
level of TOC may be due to mixed waste which inhibits smooth microbial decomposition. Table
4 shows the spatial percentage variation for stations A, B and C as 91.90, 77.81 and 79.23
respectively for TOC but the % variation from control for stations A, B, C were 77.68, 92.05 and
66.96 (Table 5).
The soil or total organic matter (SOM or TOM) of soils is calculated by converting it to carbon
dioxide by means of moist and dry combustion [31](Robinson, 1927). This study recorded total
organic matter (TOM) range of 4.550 (station A)-6.94 (station B) % which was within similar
range for earlier research studies in peculiar ecosystems [32, 17, 23] (Ideriah et al., 2006; Ekeke
& Okonwu, 2013; Ifenna & Osuji, 2013). This was though of higher range as found in other
earlier studies around Port Harcourt [27, 33, 28] (Osayande & Nwokedi, 2019; Salem et al.,
2020; Kpee & Edori, 2021). The higher the amount of TOM in any given soil, the higher the
fertility ratio for agricultural purposes. Soil health is the capacity of a soil to function within
ecosystem boundaries to sustain biological productivity, maintain environmental quality, and
promote plant and animal health and oil organic matter is considered a critical Tier 1 indicator
of soil health [34, 35] (Doran & Parkin, 1994; Soil Health Institute, 2018). Stable soil organic
matter, often referred to as humus involves living microbial biomass like microorganisms
responsible for decomposition (breakdown) of both plant residues and active soil organic
matter or detritus. The amount of organic matter in mineral (sand, loam or clay) soils ranges
from very low being 1% by weight, to average being 2 to 4%, and high being greater than 5%.
There are also “muck” or organic or peat based soils that are 30 to 40% organic matter. The
general consensus is the more soil organic matter the better. If a soil has 20% or more organic
material to a depth of 16 inches, then that soil is considered organic and is termed a peat or
muck, depending on the extent of decomposition. The studied soil gives an evidence of good
humus for agricultural purpose except the lower TOM recorded in station A. Table 4 shows the
spatial percentage variation for stations A, B and C as 78.72, 90.40 and 90.41 respectively for
the TOM but the % variation from control for stations A, B, C were 85.49, 60.84 and 60.85 as in
Table 5.
Total nitrogen (%) recorded the highest in station B and the least in station C. Total nitrogen
(%) is the sum of nitrate (NO3-
), nitrite (NO2), organic nitrogen and ammonia (all expressed as
N). Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN) is the test carried out and is composed of both organic nitrogen
and ammonia. Soil organic matter contains an average of about 50 percent carbon and 5
percent nitrogen. This ratio (10:1) is relatively constant for organic matter as is shown by the
range of 0.113-0.183% for the study sites. This result is in consonance with those obtained in
similar environments earlier [32, 17, 28] (Ideriah et al., 2006; Ekeke & Okonwu, 2013; Kpee &
Edori, 2021). This result is at variance with the extremely high negative % Total nitrogen
recorded in Etche axis of Rivers State after charcoal production meaning rise in mean values in
soil property [22] (Chima et al., 2013). Nitrogen (N) remains the most abundant element in the
atmosphere (78%) and is usually the most limiting crop nutrient. Nitrogen goes through
various processes and forms in cycles as some of these processes are necessary converting N
into plant usable forms while some processes can lead to N losses (leaching or volatilization).
According to Al-Kaisi [36] (2005), soil total nitrogen (STN) is the major determinant and
indicator of soil fertility and quality in an agricultural ecosystem, hence this study showed soil
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Status of Aged and Abandoned Rumuolumeni Dumpsite, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. European Journal of Applied Sciences, 10(6). 266-278.
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.14738/aivp.106.13362
rich in nitrogen but degraded by leaching from precipitation and volatilization due to age of
dumpsite abandonment. Soil types and land use strongly affect STN distribution and occurrence
[37, 38] (Jia et al., 2017; Yao et al., 2019). In sandy soils, the best balance is achieved by a
“moderate” soil nitrogen supply (25-50 mg-N/kg soil). In contrast, in loamy and clayey soils
“high” soil nitrogen supply is most suitable (50-75 and 75-125 mg-N/kg soil respectively).
Table 4 shows the spatial percentage variation for stations A, B and C as 93.71, 79.23 and 79.02
respectively for total nitrogen but the % variation from control for stations A, B, C were 7.46,
5.46 and 8.85 (See Table 5).
% Phosphorus in this study was found to be within the range of 1.364 (station C)-2.213 (station
B). These values were higher than those recorded by Chima et al. [22] (2013) of negative
available phosphorus of -65.01% but smaller than those of Ideriah et al. [32] (2006) which was
between 9.22 (wet season)-15.11 (dry season) and those of Kpee and Edori [28] (2021) around
Mgbuodia in Rumuolumeni (3.6-6.4). The major function of phosphorus in a plant is to store
and transfer energy produced by photosynthesis for growth and reproductive processes.
Adequate P levels promote root growth and winter hardiness, stimulate tillering, and hasten
maturity which mostly comes through organic sources if not artificial fertilizers. Excess
phosphorus in the soil has negative effects on the overall health of the plants and could cause
deficiencies in zinc and iron in the soil, as they quickly become unavailable for use by the plants.
The best available phosphorus level lies around 25-50 ppm. This relatively low level of
phosphorus is as a result of the reduction in organic synthesis by organisms in the form of
biodegradation. The tissue P concentration required for good growth of crops is about 0.2 %;
this is comparable to the demand for S, and about one tenth the demand for N and K [] (GRDC,
2009). Table 4 shows the spatial percentage variation for stations A, B and C as 91.73, 77.63
and 79.39 respectively for the % phosphorus but the % variation from control for stations A, B,
C were 27.99, 39.31 and 24.23 (Table 5).
The alkalinity (mg/kg) showed low pH which is acidic soil with a range of 3.82-8.15. The
stations A and C showed that of low pH, 4.65 and 3.82 respectively but station B is of high pH
and low alkalinity. The results was different from those of university of Port Harcourt medical
dumpsite which had pH ranging from 10.48-11.78 for the dumpsite and 10.04-10.83 for the
control point different from the result which was more acidic than alkaline [27] (Osayande &
Nwokedi, 2019). The natural cause of alkalinity is the presence of soil minerals producing
sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) and sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) upon weathering in the
dumpsites. These pH values are expected to be very high but due to the reduction in
biochemical reactions has reduced alkalinity as found in station B. Table 4 shows the spatial
percentage variation for stations A, B and C as 83.99, 67.97 and 68.91 respectively for alkalinity
but the % variation from control for stations A, B, C were 61.53, 92.77 and 50.49 (Table 5). The
ANOVA result showed that there was no significant difference in the spatial fertility level for
the organic parameters (P<0.05). Figure 1 shows the spatial variation of organic parameters in
the studied dumpsite where Station C was the highest and station A as the least in
concentration. Figure 2 gives a vivid comparative illustration of mean and control relationship
for the soil organic content as the control stations recorded much relatively higher values due
to the age of the dumpsite and inability to regain organic nutrients from soil reactions.
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European Journal of Applied Sciences (EJAS) Vol. 10, Issue 6, December-2022
Services for Science and Education – United Kingdom
Figure 1: Spatial variation of organic parameters in the studied dumpsites
Figure 2: Comparative illustration of mean and control relationship for the soil organic content
CONCLUSION
This study has revealed an extremely acidic, high EC, favourable moisture content but TOC and
TOM were not as favourable as expected for a soil from an organic waste dominated soil. The
aging and inactivity of the waste dump contributed immensely to some triggered values found
in this site and stations. The soil requires some amendment to be very suitable for agricultural
soils. There is the ardent need for heavy metal determination to avoid excessive intake from
corroding metal dumps due to the high acidic content.
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