EFFECT OF CRUDE OIL POLLUTION ON SOIL PROPERTIES AND PERFORMANCE OF MAIZE (Zea mays L.) IN COASTAL PLAIN SAND SOUTH EASTERN NIGERIA.
1.Etukudoh, N. E., 1.Essien, 1O. A., 1Udo. O. E & 2.Payou, T. O.
1Department of Soil Science, Akwa Ibom State University, Obio Akpa Campus,
2Department of Crop / Soil Science, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State,
Email: etukndara@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
The Study was conducted at the Research Green House of Akwa Ibom State University, Obio Campus to assess the effect of crude oil level on soil properties and the performance of maize. The soils were respectively polluted to 2%, 5% and 10% levels with bony light crude oil of relative density of 0.835kglm at 25o. Unpolluted soil was also included to serve as control. The experiment was replicated three (3) times and completely randomized and was arranged in the green house and then allowed to settled for seven days, after which three maize seeds were planted per bag and thinned to two after plants emergence. The experiment was allowed for twenty eight days (28), and was then sampled and analysed. The result shows that non-polluted soils were dominated by sand fraction (89%) in the study area. The pH was 5.6 while electrical conductivity was 0.2dsm-1, Exchangeable acidity (1.90), Effective Cation Exchange capacity (ECEC) (10.71cmol) and Base saturation (82.26%). The experiment also show that there was a significant differentce in sand, silt and clay fractions of the soil while soil texture remained the same as observed prior to the study. The soil pH increased with increase in crude oil level. Values of electrical conductivity were generally low. Crude oil contamination lead to decrease in calcium content; values were higher in the polluted soil than on control level. Polluted soil increase the number of maize leaves while there was a reduction in leaf area with increasing level of crude oil. There was no significant difference in maize plant height at 4 weeks and on maize stem girth.
