Phosphorus Forms and Fixing Potentials of Mbaitoli Soils in Imo State, Nigeria

The study was conducted in four different locations in Mbaitoli namely; Ifakala, Umunoha, Ogwa and Orodo in Imo State Nigeria to determine different forms and levels of phosphorus in the selected soils of the area. Fifteen composite samples were collected from the top soil (0-15cm) and sub soil (15-30cm). The fifteen composite soil samples were then bulked and a sample taken from each of the location giving a total of four representative samples. The representative soils were analyzed for physical and chemical properties. Total and Organic phosphorus were determined by standard laboratory procedure while inorganic phosphorus forms by fractionation. The macronutrients Nitrogen (N) and Potassium (K) were high low (0.220 % and 0.23mg/kg) and the pH is acidic (4.50). Available phosphorus ranged from 42.70 to 48.50 mg/kg with a mean of 46.25mg/kg while the organic phosphorus content ranged from 42.17 to 46.62mg/kg with a mean of 44.49mg/kg, total phosphorus content ranged from 102.7 to 113.71mg/kg with a mean of 108.48mg/kg. Total phosphorus and available phosphorus were very high in the soil of the study area and were in the following order; Fe-P>Al-P>Ca-P>occluded phosphorus.