Profile Distribution of Copper in an Alfisols in Minna, Niger State

Abstract

To assess the effect of toposequence on Copper (Cu) distributions, this study examined the profile variation and storage of Cu at the depth of 0 – 150 cm of an alfisol of the upland farm of the Teaching and Research Farm of the Federal University of Technology, Minna. Soil samples were collected from three profiles on toposequence (upper, middle and lower slopes). Results obtained showed that the effect of toposequence (profile pits), soil depth and their interaction on Cu distribution were significantly different (p<0.05) and they decreased significantly with soil depth in all the pedons examined. The effect of toposequence was in the following decreasing order: lower slope>middle slope>upper slope. Simple correlation analysis showed that Cu was positively correlated with soil organic carbon but negatively correlated with soil pH the profiles studied. This result suggests that the profile distribution of Cu is largely controlled by plant/biological cycling, soil pH, slope differences and anthopogenic disturbances of the soil.