Impact of Nitrogen Fertilizer Use on Soil Ecosystem Integrity in the Greater Port Harcourt Region, Nigeria
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Date
2021-10-05
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Science Publishing Group
Abstract
Fertilizers are used to increase crop yields in agriculture but can affect the integrity of soil ecosystems if misused.
The present study was conducted to observe the impact of inorganic fertilizers in selected soils in Greater Port Harcourt Area
on soil microbial population, in addition, the association between soil microbial population and Lethal Concentration 50 (LC50)
was observed. Microbial communities and LC50 values were determined using normal analytical procedures. The study showed
various fertilizer types that altered soil microbial population and LC50 values. For agricultural areas the maximum NPKB mean
value was 0.70±0.76 ppm which was higher than the mean value of the control location of 0.23±0.00 ppm. Urea tolerant
fungi’s (UREAF's) LC50 mean value was 0.43±0.09 ppm in the agricultural area as compared to the control with a mean value
of 0.46±0.00 ppm. Industrial and urban areas had significantly different mean values of 0.29 ± 0.19 ppm and 0.18±0.01 ppm
and 0.23 ± 0.06 ppm and 0.23 ± 0.060.17 ± 0.010.17 ± 0.010.17 ± 0.01 ppm respectively (p = 0.001). This research concluded
that the application of UREA and NPK fertilizers in study area soils lowered the pH of soils in A1, A2 and A3 agricultural
sites. Application of UREA and NPK fertilizers in soils of the study areas increased the population of microorganisms in
threshold concentrations but was detrimental for NPK and UREA fertilizers at concentrations of 1.50% or above. Further
findings showed that microorganisms were more tolerant of NPK and UREA fertilizers in agricultural areas compared to urban
and industrial areas which showed higher LC50 values. This research concludes that fertilizers used in the study areas were
related to soil microorganisms developing tolerance to NPK and UREA. Farmers should observe application of the
recommended professional quantities of fertilizers to ensure the sustenance of the soil ecosystem integrity.
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Keywords
Inorganic Fertilizers, Misuse, Impact, Soil Microbial Population, LC50, Soil Ecosystem Integrity