I.K. UGWA

The study was carried out to assess the profile distribution of morphological, physical, chemical and biological properties in Idunowina and University of Benin which are the study areas and a profile sample was dug in both study areas. The morphological study was carried out in the field, while the physical, chemical and biological properties drawn from genetic soil horizons were carried out in the laboratory. The morphological properties show that the soil colour was moisture dependent because of the differences in soil value and chroma when dry and when moist. The soils were mostly moderate and weak in structure in Idunowina and weak, medium in Uniben. The bulk density was found to be within acceptable limit (1.41 and 1.31Mgm-3) while the WHC was highest in the subsoil horizons than in the space soil. There were a lot of fine roots and artefacts and burrows in both study areas. The organic matter was majorly low as well as the basic cations, the micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn) were moderate but not in quantities that pose danger to the soil. The pH of the soil was slightly acidic to neutral. The level of nitrogen and carbon were also observed as they tend to support heterogeneous bacteria and fungi activities.The soil contained high levels of heterogeneous bacteria and fungi with microbial activities being high at the topsoil, there was evidence of eluviation, illuviation, leaching and translocation of minerals in the soils. There was high variability in soil physical properties than in the chemical. Correlation studies revealed that positive significant relationship (P<0.05) exist between SOM and cations (Ca, Mg, K, Na) and negative relationship between sand and WHC, pH and Fe, Cu at Idunowina. At Uniben a high positive relationship exist between THBC and micronutrients and a negative correlation between pH and EA. The soil was classified as Ruptic-Alfic Eutrudept (Orlu Clayey) in Idunowina and as Typic-Eutrudept (Alagba-Clayey). The soil recommend implementing a good water and drainage system in the area as well as strategy that will enhance the organic matter content of the area and planting of trees is another conservative strategy that is encouraged