2025/09/25 by Fagbami, O., Ogunlade, M. O., Ipinmoroti, R. R. +2
#Kola nut #rehabilitation #soil nutrient #yield
paper · doi:10.82552/njhs.v29i3.91-95
The study was conducted at Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, Ibadan to assess kola leaf and soil nutrient between 2011 and 2021 period. One hectare kola plot was demarcated and used for the study between the years, 2011 to 2021. Soil samples at 0-30 cm and leaf samples of kola plants close to the point of soil sample collections were made. Soil samples were air dried, sieved and analyzed for the textural classes, pH, OC, N, P, K, Ca and Mg. Kola leaves collected were analysed for N, P, K, Ca, Mg and OC. The result showed that the soil was sandy loam with silt and clay less than 32% while OC was below the recommended value of 30g/kg soil, which indicated a low soil nutrient retention capacity. The soil N and P contents were generally below their critical levels in 2021 after a decade of harvest. Exchangeable K, Ca and Mg were above their critical level in 2011 but had decreased by 2021, and this could have been responsible for the slight decrease in the soil pH. There was an increase in leaf N and P but the values were however below the critical levels. Thus, for profitable and sustainable kola production, the kola plantation needs appropriate supply of organic matter, N and P for possible rehabilitation to achieve optimal productivity.