Soil Fertility Indicators in Cultivated Oil-Spill-Impacted Soils from the Niger Delta.

Abstract

This study evaluates the physicochemical properties of oil spill-impacted soils in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, focusing on fertility indicators and the growth responses of selected resilient crops. Soil samples were collected from both polluted and unpolluted sites, and key physicochemical parameters including pH, electrical conductivity (EC), redox potential (RP), total organic carbon (TOC), and total organic matter (TOM) were analyzed following standard procedures over a 90-day period. The results indicated that oil contamination significantly altered soil properties, with polluted soils exhibiting higher pH (average 4.78) and electrical conductivity (average 217.33 µs/cm) compared to unpolluted soils (average pH 4.34 and EC 198.7 µs/cm). Among the crops tested, Talinum triangulare (waterleaf) demonstrated the highest resilience, exhibiting robust growth and superior adaptability in polluted soils, with a notable increase in total organic matter (TOM) content. In contrast, Abelmoschus esculentus (okra) and Zea mays (maize) showed moderate growth responses, indicating their potential but lower resilience compared to waterleaf. The study underscores the importance of selecting resilient crop varieties for phytoremediation and sustainable agricultural practices in oil-impacted environments, contributing valuable insights into soil recovery processes and agricultural resilience in the Niger Delta.