MORPHOLOGICAL, PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF GRANITE-DERIVED SOILS IN KURU, PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA 1Mamzing, D. 1Loks, N.A., 1Daboro, P.C.; 1Da’ar, J. W. 2Rotbe, G, 2Deme, P. N. and 3Zata, A.I

International Journal of Research and Agricultural Development     Volume 5, Number 2, 2016

©McEvans Academic Publications

MORPHOLOGICAL, PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF GRANITE-DERIVED SOILS IN KURU, PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA

¹Mamzing, D. ¹Loks, N.A., ¹Daboro, P.C.; ¹Da’ar, J. W. ²Rotbe, G, ²Deme, P. N. and ³Zata, A.I

¹Department of Agricultural Technology, Plateau State College Agriculture, Garkawa.

²Department of Basic Studies, Plateau State College of Agriculture, Garkawa

³ Department of Soil Science, School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, Modibbo Adama University of Technology Yola, Adamawa State.

ABSTRACT

The study investigated the morphological, physical and chemical characteristics of granite-derived soils in Kuru in order to unveil the soil productivity potential of the area and to characterize the soils. Detailed soil survey was carried out and rigid grid method was employed for the survey. Three mapping units were delineated as Mu 1, Mu 2 and Mu 3 and a representative soil profile pit was sunk in each mapping unit

and studied. Morphological properties were determined from insitu examination of the soil profiles. Soil samples are collected according to the pedogenetic horizons and analyzed for physical and chemical characteristics. Results showed that the soils of Mu 1 and Mu 2 were shallow, coarse textured with weak and crumb structure and had colour variation as pink and reddish yellow. However, Mu 3 was also shallow; strong, fine and angular blocky and had gray colour. High bulk density was observed in all the mapping units. pH values of Mu 1, Mu 2 and Mu 3 had means of 5.7, 5.6 and 5.6 respectively, indicating strong acidity. Low to very low values of total nitrogen, available phosphorus, cation exchange cation exchange capacity and exchangeable bases were observed in Mu 1 and Mu 2. However, the values of these parameters were moderate to high in Mu 3. Mu 1, Mu 2 and Mu 3 were Characterized and classified as Lithic Plintustults, Dystric Paleustults and Eutric Aquatults respectively. The soils are constrained by acidity, poor soil characteristics and /or quality, and low fertility status, which can be checked through management strategies such as minimum or zero tillage, alley cropping and use of organic fertilizers, among others.

Key words:  Morphological, physical and chemical characteristics. Granite

INTRODUCTION

          The livelihood of man and his animals are highly connected with the soil, as it is the primary source from which man and animals obtain their basic necessities of life. Due to this intimate relationship of man’s prosperity with soil, it is very essential that the knowledge of the soils in respect of its origin and formation, nature and properties and distribution becomes imperative in this connection.

          In soil science, parent material is the underlying geological material (generally bedrock or superficial or drift Deposit) in which soil horizons form. Soils typically inherit a great deal of structure and minerals from their parent material and as such, are classified based upon their contents of consolidated or unconsolidated mineral material that has undergone some degree of physical or chemical weathering (Wikipedia, 2012). According to Wikipedia (2016), the character and chemical composition of parent material plays an important role in determining soil properties especially during the early stages of development. Soils developed on parent material that is coarse grained and composed of minerals resistant to weathering are likely to exhibit coarse grain texture.

          Geological parent material such as granite is the primary materials from which soils are formed. Granite is a type of igneous rock which forms deep in earth’s crust as a result of cooling magma. Granite is light in colour and composed of large crystals of quartz, feldspars and mica (USDA, 1993). The granite which is intrusive has a coarse – grained mineral texture due to molten rock cooling too slowly thus allowing for large mineral crystals to grow (Wikipedia, 2016).

Morphological, Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Granite-Derived Soils in Kuru, Plateau State, Nigeria

According to Purves and Blyth, (1969), granite has coarse- grained minerals, mainly quartz which are resistant to weathering.

          Morphological properties of soils entail those properties that can only be seen and assessed. Over the years, morphological properties of soils have been studied alongside physical properties of soils without clear distinctions. However, Esu, (1999) distinctively recognized the following properties as soils morphological properties. Soil depth, cutans pores, colour, roots inclusions and horizon boundary characteristics. Similarly, Julio et al, (2008) during field survey admitted evaluating soil morphological properties such as texture, structure, consistence, cutans and colour. They further revealed that it is difficult to assess these soil properties using numerical methods. 

          The physical properties of a soil are the result of soil parent materials being acted upon by climatic factors (rainfall and temperature), and affected by topography and life forms especially soil animals over a period of time (AZ Master Gardener manual, 1998). Several reports on phusical properties of soil which include: texture, structure, bulk density, particle density, porosity, water content and consistence are known as dominant factors affecting the use of the soil (Ojanuga and Awujoola, 1981). The property which entails how a soil holds essential minerals is a basic chemical property of every soil and is related directly to electrical charges of atoms and molecules in the soil usually associated with clay particles in the soil and with the soil organic matter (Bishop et al, 1983). Soil chemical properties relates to parameters such as: pH, electrical conductivity (EC), exchangeable cations (Mg, Ca, K and Na), Cation exchange capacity (CEC) organic carbon, available phosphorus, total nitrogen and available micronutrients.

Kparmwang, (1993) and Olowolafe, (1994) reported that most soils on the Jos Plateau developed on two types of parent materials (Basalt and Granite)

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Site Description

          The study area is located in the granitic terrain at the Federal College of Land Resources Technology, Kuru premises (Easting coordinate 0480950, Northing coordinate 1076580) in Jos South Local Government are of plateau state which is located in the central part of Nigeria between latitude 8⁰, 30¹ and 10⁰, 10’N and longitude 8⁰ 20¹ and 9⁰ 30’E (figure 1 and 2).  The study area has a surface area of about 5,200km² and has an average elevation of about 1,250 meter above mean sea level and stands at an altitude of about 600 meter above the surrounding plains. Tropical wet and dry climate characterized the area with long-term annual rainfall of 1260mm with mean annual temperature of about 22⁰C and mean relative humidity of 45.63%. Jos South lies within the Northern Guinea Savannah vegetation zone, which is open woodland predominantly covered with different types of tree species, herbs and shrubs (Olowolafe, 2003). The geology of the area comprises pre-cambrian basement complex rocks mainly gneiss and older granites which have been eroded to expose the younger granite of Jurassic age. Tertiary and quarternary volcanic rocks (mainly basalts also occur in Jos South. The basalts are almost completely decomposed and denuded so that only a few remnants are preserved, forming flat-topped hills (Olowolafe. 1994).

Field Work

          In this study, detailed survey was carried out and a rigid grid survey method was employed for the survey work as described by Dent and Young, (1981). Three mapping units were delineated as Mu 1, Mu 2 and Mu 3 and representative profile pits were hand dug to specification 2meters long, 1.5 meters wide and 2meters deep (where possible)  (2m x 1.5m x 2m). The pits were described for their morphological properties which include soil colour, texture, structure, consistence, horizon boundary conditions and miscellaneous features such as roots, pores, mottles etc. thereafter, eleven soil samples were collected according to the pedogenetic horizons for laboratory analyses.

International Journal of Research and Agricultural Development     Volume 5, Number 2, 2016

Laboratory Analyses

          The soil samples were air dried, ground and screened using a 2mm sieve. Particle size distribution of the soils was determined by the hydrometer method (NSSC, 1995). Soil colour was determined by munsell at both moist and dry conditions of soils. Bulk density was determined by the core method (black, 1965). Particle density was determined using the pycnometer method (Blake and Hartge, 1986) while porosity was calculated as

F = 1- Db x 100

          DP

CEC was determined after extraction with ammonium acetate (Jaiswal, 2003). The PH was determined in a 1:2.5 soil-water suspension ratio using glass electrode (IITA, 1979). The electrical conductivity of the soil samples was measured alongside pH with an EC meter using the same soil-water suspension (Jaiswal, 2003). Organic carbon was determined using Walkley  and Black wet Oxidation method, while total nitrogen was determined by the Microkjeldhal method (Bremer and Mulvaney, 1982). Available phosphorus was analyzed using the Bray N0.1 procedure (Black, 1965). Total exchangeable acidity was analyzed using INKCL extraction and titration (Mclean, 1965). The exchangeable cations were determined in the extract of IN neutral ammonium acetate (NH4 0AC) and the concentrations of Ca and Mg were read from Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer while K and Na were determined using flame photometer (Black 1965). Total exchangeable bases were calculated by summing up the total exchangeable bases and the total exchangeable acidity (Black, 1965). Percentage base saturation was calculated by dividing the total exchangeable bases by effective cation exchange capacity and multiplying the answers by 100 (Jaiswal, 2003).  

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Soil Morphological Characteristics

          The morphological characteristics of the soils are presented in Table 1. Soil profile depths of Mu 1, Mu 2 and Mu 3 were 102cm, 105cm and 115cm respectively, indicating the profiles were relatively shallow, confirming the report of Dixon and Young (1981) that granitic soils have shallow depths owing to rapid weathering. The variation in soil colour ranging from gray to reddish yellow among the soils observed in Mu 1 and Mu 2 was principally due to soil mineralogy (Wikipedia, 2016) or may be to physiographic position and differences in degree of profile development as also reported by Hassan et al, (2015). In Mu 1 and Mu 2, the weak structure and coarse nature of granitic soils gave rise to a consistency that is non sticky at the Ap horizon. However, leached clay particles resulted in sticky or plastic, firm and hard consistency at the lower depths. Similarly, leached Fe Oxides and reduction state may be the principal reasons for Fe concretions and mottles observed at the lower depths. The dominant gray colour at the Ap horizon in Mu 3 may probably be the result of melanization form humified organic matter which further gave silty clay texture to the soils with resultant strong, fine and angular blocky structure. The existence and interplay between Fe oxides and reduction condition resulted in the mottles observed at the lower depths.

Soil Physical Characteristics

          The particle size distribution in Mu 1 revealed that the mean value of sand fraction (58.03% is much higher than those of silt and clay (22.88% and 19.10% respectively) put together, with no definite distribution pattern (Table 2). This is agreeing with the report of earlier workers (Hill and Rackham, 1976, Ojanuga and Awujoola, 1981) that granite derived soils are sandy and coarse textured. The peculiarity of very high sand deposit at the first two horizons and very low sand percentage at the lower depths in Mu 2 may be attributed to leaching effect on the fine soil particles. This result conformed to the work of Vogel, (1992) that in granitic soils, applied fertilizer nutrients and clay particles are lost or leached down to the lower depths. In Mu 3 high mean value for sand fraction was observed, thus justifying the coarse texture property of granitic soils. However, no distribution trend was observed for particle size distribution in Mu 3. High bulk

Morphological, Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Granite-Derived Soils in Kuru, Plateau State, Nigeria

density and correspondingly high particle density, which translated to high total porosity was recorded in Mu 1, Mu 2 and Mu 3, affirming the report of Dixon and Young, (1981) that granite – derived soils have high bulk density and porosity. The coarse texture characteristic of the granitic soils is the principal reason for the high bulk density and porosity because of positive correlating between coarse texture and bulk density and /or porosity.  

Soil Chemical Characteristics

          The total mean PH value for Mu 1, Mu 2 and Mu 3 is 5.6, indicating strong acidic condition (Table 3), as is the case with most tropical soils. Perhaps, the high rainfall in the study area, the coarse nature of the soils and the consistent use of nitrogenous fertilizers are the likely factors responsible for the acidic condition. Very low values were observed for EC, OC, TN and AV.P in all the mapping units. Also, values for exchangeable bases (Ca Mg, Na and K), TEB, TEA, CEC and ECEC were low. This low values for chemical properties was also reported by Maribeng, (2007) in the granitic soils of syferkuit experimental farm in University of Limpopo. The low contents of all the chemical parameters as recorded in these soils may be attributed to the coarse nature of the soils which have low capacity to hold soil nutrients. This proved the report of Idoga et al, (2007) that particle size distribution affects both water and nutrient retentive abilities of soils and consequently soil productivity. Camps and Macia, (1996) further confirmed that the coarse grained texture and resultant low CEC of soils developed on granitic parent material promotes leaching of cations such as K. Mg and Ca. Maribeng, (2007) in conformity stated that low CEC and other related chemical parameters observed in granite – derived soils were due to low clay content in the layers of the soils.

Soil Classification

          The USDA soil Taxonomy diagnostic criteria for soil classification was used in classifying the soils (Soil Survey Staff, 1998). The soils of Mu1 was acidic in nature typical of Ultisols at the order level of soil classification, the soil moisture regime was dry (Ustic), thus the soils keyed out as Ustults at the suborder level. The presence of gravels and Plinthites was observed in the pedon, this further classified the soils as Plinthustults at the great group level. The shallow depth to bed rock (Lithic) characteristic of this soil unit qualified these soils to be classified as Lithic Plinthustults.

          The soils of Mu 2 had an Ap horizon with their base saturation calculated from neutral. Ammonion acetate to be < 50% (with continous rapid nutrient depletion in focus). The soils of this mapping unit was Ultisols at the order level because of its characteristic low pH values, the soils were classified under ustic soil moisture regime and therefore keyed out as Ustults at the suborder level. The pedon was characterized by low clays as a result of prolonged weathering process thus the soils were further classified as Paleustults at the great group level. The low levels of base saturation (Dystric) in this pedon qualified the soils as Dytric Paleustults.

          As general characteristic of the Ultisols, Mu 3 had low pH values and so was classified as Ultisols at the order level, with ustic soil moisture regime thus qualified as Ustults at the great group level. The pedon was characterized by high base saturation (Eutric) with a considerably wet condition (Aqu) observed at the two lower horizons. Therefore the soils were classified at the sub group level as Eutric Aqustults.

CONCLUSION

          The granite – derived soils present constraints to agricultural land use considering their low soil quality and soil fertility related properties. Soil management practices to improve soil physico-chemical properties of these granitic soils are inevitable. With the present pressure on land use for crop production, management strategies aim at improving the soil structure and water/nutrient holding capacity such as alley cropping, minimum or zero tillage, and the use of organic fertilizers are recommendable.

International Journal of Research and Agricultural Development     Volume 5, Number 2, 2016

Table 1: Morphological Properties of Granite-derived Soils in Kuru, Plateau State

MU	Horizon	Profile depth (cm)	Soil colour (moist)	Tex. class	Structure	Consistency	Boundary	Miscellaneous observations
1	Ap	0-18	7.5YR N6/	SL	wmcr	wns    mvfr      dl	Cs	Many fine roots and pores with medium quartz grains.
	C1	18-40	7.5YR 6/6	SL	wmcr	wns    mvfr      dl	Cs	Few medium roots and pores.
	C2	40-85	7.5YR 7/6	SCL	mmsbk	wss      mf        dh	Cs	Many medium Fe concretions.
	C3	85-102	7.5YR 7/6	SCL	mmsbk	ws       mf        dh	Cs	Few and fine distinct mottles.
2	Ap	0-30	7. 5YR 7/4	SL	wmcr	wns     mvfr     dl	Cs	Many fine roots and pores with medium quartz grains.
	AC1	30-70	7. 5YR 7/6	SCL	mmsbk	wss      mf        dh	cw	Common medium roots and distinct dark reddish brown mottles (2.5YR 3/6 moist).
	AC2	70-105	7.5YR N6/	SiC	Sfab	wvp     mf        dh	dw	Many fine and faint dark reddish brown mottles (2.5YR 3/6 moist).
3	Ap	0-20	7.5YR N4/	SiC	Sfab	wvp     mf        dh	cs	Common fine and medium roots and pores.
	AC	20-44	7. 5YR N4/	SiCL	Sfab	wsp     mf        dh	cw	Common medium roots and fine distinct dark reddish mottles (2.5YR 3/6 moist).
	C1	44-80	7. 5YR N6/	SCL	mmsbk	wss     mvfr      ds	dw	Common medium concretions.
	C2	80-115	7. 5YR 7/4	SC	mmcr	wss    mvfr       ds	cw	Common fine concretions.

Key:

Texture: Tex = textural, SL = sandy loam, SCL = sandy clay loam, SiC = silty clay, SiCl = silty clay loam, SC = sandy clay

Structure: w = weak, 1^st m = moderate, 2^nd m = medium, cr = crumb, sbk = subangular blocky, s = strong, f = fine, p = plastic, ab = angular blocky

Consistency: w = wet, ns = non sticky, m = moist, vfr = very friable, d = dry, l = loose, f = firm, h = hard, ss = slightly sticky, vp = very plastic, p = plastic, s = soft

Boundary: c = clear, s = smooth, w = wavy, d = diffuse

Morphological, Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Granite-Derived Soils in Kuru, Plateau State, Nigeria

Table 2: Physical Properties of Granite-derived Soils in Kuru, Plateau State

  MU             Horizon         Profile depth             (Particle size distribution (%))                    BD            PD           Total porosity

		(cm)	Sand	Silt	Clay	(gcm-3)	(gcm-3)	(%)
1	Ap	0-18	57.70	30.10	12.20	1.00	2.67	63
	C1	18-40	57.60	28.80	13.60	1.07	2.76	61
	C2	40-85	53.20	19.00	27.80	1.05	2.76	62
	C3	85-102	63.60	13.60	22.80	1.06	2.78	62
	Mean		58.03	22.88	19.10	1.05	2.74	62
2	Ap	0-30	56.60	32.00	11.40	1.02	2.73	63
	Ac1	30-70	53.70	31.10	15.20	1.12	2.78	60
	Ac2	70-105	6.30	51.40	42.30	1.09	2.78	61
	Mean		38.87	38.17	22.96	1.08	2.76	61.33
3.	Ap	0-20	15.30	50.50	34.20	0.95	2.71	65
	Ac	20-44	19.00	45.80	35.20	1.03	2.67	61
	C1	44-80	49.60	21.60	28.80	1.06	2.76	62
	C2	80-115	57.20	15.00	27.80	1.00	2.77	64
	Mean		35.28	33.23	31.50	1.01	2.73	63
	Total Mean		44.53	30.81	24.66	1.04	2.74	62.20

International Journal of Research and Agricultural Development     Volume 5, Number 2, 2016

Table 3: Chemical Properties of Granite-derived Soils  in Kuru, Plateau State

MU       Horizon      Depth      pH      EC      O.C     T.N      AVP      (                                         (cmol (+) kg^-1)                            )    BS

                           (cm)      (H₂0)      (dsm^-1) (gkg^-1)   (%)     (ppm)     Ca²⁺      Mg²⁺     Na⁺       K⁺      TEB      TEA     CEC    ECEC   (%)

1	Ap	0-18	5.6	0.026	1.32	0.10	5.60	1.51	0.79	0.29	0.20	2.79	1.60	5.60	4.39	50
	C1	18-40	5.6	0.022	1.14	0.07	3.85	1.21	0.89	0.30	0.18	2.58	1.70	5.15	4.28	50
	C2	40-85	5.7	0.022	0.50	0.05	4.90	1.20	0.90	0.40	0.18	2.68	2.20	5.50	4.88	49
	C3	85-102	5.9	0.028	0.50	0.06	3.50	1.12	0.85	0.32	0.16	2.45	1.50	4.90	3.95	51
	Mean		5.7	0.025	0.87	0.07	4.46	1.26	0.86	0.33	0.18	2.02	1.75	5.29	4.38	50
2.	Ap	0-30	5.4	0.044	1.40	0.10	4.20	1.22	0.99	0.29	0.18	2.68	2.20	5.12	4.88	52
	AC1	30-70	5.8	0.046	0.70	0.09	5.60	1.01	0.97	0.35	0.16	2.49	2.00	4.80	4.49	52
	AC2	70-105	5.5	0.030	0.40	0.05	4.20	0.94	0.99	0.29	0.16	2.38	1.20	4.70	3.58	51
	Mean		5.6	0.040	0.83	0.08	4.67	1.06	0.98	0.31	0.17	2.52	1.80	4.87	4.32	51.67
3.	Ap	0-20	5.1	0.040	0.70	0.06	5.60	2.01	1.19	0.30	0.17	3.67	2.80	5.38	6.47	68
	AC	20-44	5.5	0.030	0.45	0.04	5.60	1.71	0.99	0.31	0.19	3.20	2.00	5.26	5.20	61
	C1	44-80	5.5	0.054	0.40	0.04	5.40	1.51	0.99	0.28	0.19	2.97	1.90	5.13	4.87	58
	C2	80-115	5.9	0.034	0.42	0.03	4.90	1.11	0.86	0.29	0.15	2.41	2.00	4.83	4.41	50
	Mean		5.5	0.040	0.49	0.041	5.38	1.58	1.01	0.30	0.18	3.06	2.18	5.15	1.24	59.25
	TotalMean		5.6	0.034	0.72	0.06	4.85	1.32	0.95	0.31	0.17	2.75	1.92	5.12	4.67	53.8

Morphological, Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Granite-Derived Soils in Kuru, Plateau State, Nigeria

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International Journal of Research and Agricultural Development     Volume 5, Number 2, 2016

Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (2016).  Retrieved February, 7, 2016.  Granite and Basalt. From:           https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/granite

 Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (2012) Retrieved   June 28, 2012. From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parent-material