Professional Analysis of Soil Fertility and Micronutrient Status for Crop Production in Kebbi State

Soil micronutrient deficiencies impose significant constraints on crop productivity in semi-arid agricultural zones, and professional characterisation of soil fertility status is a prerequisite for formulating site-specific fertiliser recommendations. This study conducted a comprehensive professional analysis of soil fertility parameters and micronutrient status in agricultural soils of Kebbi State, North West Nigeria, using samples from the Kainji Lake Basin irrigation scheme and three rain-fed farming systems. A total of eighty soil samples were collected from defined depth intervals and analysed for macronutrients, micronutrients, organic carbon, pH, and cation exchange capacity using internationally recognised analytical methods. Zinc deficiency was identified in 72 percent of samples, with available zinc concentrations below the critical threshold of 0.5 mg/kg in most irrigated fields. Boron deficiency was indicated in 60 percent of samples. Iron and manganese were adequate in most locations due to the prevailing acidic soil conditions. Sulphur deficiency was suspected in 35 percent of samples, particularly in sandy soils with low organic matter. Copper availability was marginal in high-pH soils near the irrigation channels. The results were used to develop zone-specific fertiliser recommendations tailored to the detected nutrient status profiles. The adoption of zinc sulphate as a soil amendment is specifically recommended for the irrigation scheme. The study provides a professional-grade soil fertility baseline that can support precision agriculture implementation in Kebbi State and offers a replicable model for fertility assessment in the North West zone.

Keywords: soil fertility, micronutrient deficiency, zinc, Kebbi State, precision agriculture