Physico-Chemical Properties and Fertility Status of Dumpsite Soils in Nasarawa State, Nigeria
Dumpsites significantly influence soil quality through continuous deposition of organic and inorganic wastes. This study assessed the physico-chemical properties and fertility status of soils from selected dumpsites in Lafia, Keffi, and Karu Local Government Areas of Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Soil samples collected during the rainy season were analyzed for particle size distribution, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon (OC), organic matter (OM), total nitrogen (N), available phosphorus (P), exchangeable bases, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and base saturation (BS). Results showed that soil pH ranged from 6.4 to 7.3, indicating slightly acidic to neutral conditions. Electrical conductivity varied from 122 to 601 µS/cm, reflecting low to moderately high salt concentrations. Organic carbon (2.10–2.47%) and organic matter (3.61–4.25%) were consistently high across all dumpsites, while total nitrogen (0.42–0.56%) and available phosphorus (5.63–6.68 ppm) were within moderate to high ranges. However, exchangeable bases (K, Na, Ca, Mg) were generally low (≈0.01–0.08 cmol/kg), resulting in low cation exchange capacity (0.37–0.64 cmol/kg) and base saturation (5.5–16.2%).Physical properties revealed dominance of sand fractions (80.4–87.4%), with low silt (5.0–6.0%) and moderate clay (7.2–13.2%), classifying the soils as sandy to loamy sand textures. These conditions indicate high permeability and low nutrient retention capacity. The study concludes that although dumpsite soils exhibit improved nutrient status due to organic waste accumulation, their poor structural stability and low nutrient retention limit their agricultural suitability. Sustainable waste management and soil remediation strategies are therefore recommended.
Keywords: Dumpsite soil, Soil fertility, Physico-chemical properties, Nasarawa State, Environmental pollution
