SOIL

This study focused on isolating and identifying fungal species associated with agricultural farmland soil in UNIBEN. Soil samples were collected in sterile plastic ziplock bags from selected agricultural farmlands in Benin City, Edo State, and were subsequently transported to the laboratory for fungal identification. The identification of fungal isolates was conducted using cultural and morphological methods. The results indicated that total fungal counts of soil samples collected from the selected farmlands ranged from 5.70±0.42 to 12.50±1.56. The highest fungal counts were observed in Farm 2 (12.50±1.56), followed by Farm 5 (8.70±0.71), while Farm 4 exhibited the lowest count at 5.70±0.42. The identified fungal isolates included Aspergillus niger, Trichoderma sp., Penicillium sp., Rhizopus arrhizus, and Mucor mucedo. The percentages of occurrence for these fungal isolates varied from 7.14% to 28.57%. Aspergillus niger had the highest occurrence rate at 28.57%, followed by Trichoderma sp. and Penicillium sp., each at 21.43%, while Rhizopus arrhizus had the lowest occurrence at 7.14%. This study emphasizes the importance of understanding the dynamics of fungal populations within these agricultural soils to inform management strategies aimed at enhancing soil health. By monitoring these microbial communities, farmers at these sites can adopt more effective agronomic practices that capitalize on beneficial fungi while minimizing the impact of pathogenic species.

This research work was conducted in the University of Benin, Benin City, with the aim to determine plant nutrient status under different land use types within the Ugbowo campus of the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Soil samples were collected from twelve (12) sites, (three each) from four (4) different land use types, namely: Arable land, Fallow land, Grazing land, and Forest land at depths of 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm. Soil samples from same land use and same depth were bulked to make composite samples which were taken to the laboratory for analysis using standard procedures. Some of the parameters analyzed for are, the Soil pH, Total Organic Carbon (TOC), Total Nitrogen (N), Available Phosphorus (P), Exchangeable Acidity, Exchangeable Base (BS), particle size distribution, Electrical conductivity, Potassium (K) calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg) and Effective Cation Exchange Capacity (ECEC). Results showed that the top soils belong to the textural class of loamy sand. Sand content decreased with depth in all land uses while clay content increased with depth. pH was least in arable land, having pH 4.93 and highest in grazing area, having pH 6.2. pH decreased with depth in all land uses except in grazing area, where it increased. TOC, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Na and sand content, all had their highest values in the top 15 cm of the soils but decreased down the profile while H, Al, and clay values increased with depth

This study investigated the response of soil fungi to various organic amendments; earthworm cast (EC), poultry manure (PM), and inorganic fertiliser (urea) and their impact on the growth of amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus L. The experiment aimed to bridge the knowledge gap regarding the effects of organic amendments on fungal communities and their potential benefits for sustainable amaranth production. The experiment was done using a complete randomised design (CRD) and replicated three times, using soil and a plastic container. Results showed that organic amendments significantly influenced the composition of soil fungal communities compared to the control treatment. Notably, Trichoderma spp., a fungus with high phosphate solubilization potential, was most abundant in urea-amended soil. However, poultry manure (PM) treatment yielded plants with the highest fresh and dry matter weight, likely due to increased nutrient availability and microbial activity stimulated by the breakdown of organic matter. The study showed that PM amendments improved soil health, promoting the growth of beneficial fungi like Trichoderma spp., and enhancing amaranth growth, potentially contributing to sustainable agricultural practices