Micronutrient dynamics in some wetland soils of south-eastern Nigeria

The inventory of profile distribution of total iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn) and copper (Cu) were determined in three different soil horizons each of the wetland soils selected form Mbiabet ( MB), Nkari (NK) and Nkana (NA) in Ini Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. Total Fe ranged between 3.25 and 4.15 ppm. The average contents were 3.72, 3.91 and 3.62 ppm in Mbiabet(MB), Nkari(NK) and Nkana(NA) soils respectively. The total value of Zn also ranged between 2.4 and 4.9 ppm with the average content in each soil being 28.27, 17.73 and 36.53 ppm respectively. The amount of Fe and Zn in these soil profiles were strongly correlated with the clay content and high levels of organic matter of 3.70%, 2.47% and 2.5% respectively. The content clearly reflected a poor drainage conditions. In all the soil profiles Mn and Cu were detected in at least one of the soil horizons. However, Mn and Cu were not detected in the soil horizons at Nkari. Generally, the relative inventory of these micronutrients appeared to be influenced by pH, drainage pattern, organic matter and clay contents of these soils. The inventory of total values of the wetland soils considered are assessed in the light of establishing a baseline information.