BASELINE STUDY ON SOIL MICRO NUTRIENTS IN MBATIAV WARD, GBOKO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF BENUE STATE

ABSTRACT Food insecurity is mainly caused by inadequate food production due to inefficient agricultural practices. The soils of North Central Nigeria are rapidly degrading due to nutrient mining, soil loss, inappropriate land use, low inherent soil fertility coupled with adverse effects of climate change. These have resulted to persistent low yields and poor farmers' economic livelihood. The current farming systems have failed to improve continuous decline in crop production. There is need for integrated approach that involves mineral fertilizer, organic resources, and improved crop varieties with sound agronomic practices if the region will be able to feed its population of over 35 million people. The present study aims at assessing the soil micronutrient status as a compliment to established soil macronutrient status of Benue State. The goal ultimately, is plant yield improvement at Gboko south Local Government Area of Benue State. We found that there is evidence of widespread but varying micronutrient deficiencies in the soils understudied and that simultaneous deficiencies of multiple elements (co-occurrence) are prevalent. Zinc (Zn) predominates the list of micronutrients that are deficient.