Exploring Physio-Chemical Properties and Potassium Dynamics in Soils from Diverse Parent Materials in Southeastern Nigeria

This study investigates the physico-chemical properties and potassium (K) dynamics in soils derived from diverse parent materials in southeastern Nigeria, a region characterized by complex geological formations. Soil samples from parent materials-alluvium, basement complex, coastal plain sands (Abia and Imo), sandstone, and shale were analyzed at depths of 0–20, 20–40, and 40–60 cm. Results revealed significant variations in soil physical properties, with sand content ranging from 34.4% to 85.07%, influencing drainage and fertility potential. Soil pH was slightly acidic across all samples, with values spanning 4.37 to 5.47. Textural classification indicated that coastal plain sand and sandstone soils were predominantly sandy or silty loams, while alluvial soils exhibited loam textures, conducive to crop growth. Chemical analyses showed moderate nutrient levels, with available phosphorus averaging 24.32 mgkg-1 and total nitrogen at 0.11%. Notably, soils from basement complex parent material exhibited higher phosphorus (36.70 mgkg-1 ), whereas shale-derived soils had lower nutrient contents. Potassium dynamics were markedly influenced by mineralogy, with fixation and leaching processes varying according to parent material and soil depth, affecting K availability for plants. These findings underscore the importance of parent material-specific land management strategies to optimize soil fertility and crop productivity in southeastern Nigeria. The variations observed highlight the need for tailored fertilization and conservation practices that consider geological heterogeneity to enhance sustainable agriculture in the region.