IMMEDIATE EFFECTS OF AGROCHEMICALS USE ON SELECTED CHEMICAL PROPERTIES ON NEWLY CULTIVATED SOILS INITIALLY UNDER FIVE YEARS FALLOW
Abstract
The current harsh economy prompts the opening up of fields under fallow for crop production. Intensive and indiscriminate use of agrochemicals among farmers had adversely impacted many farmlands. Most agrochemicals have been implicated to contain heavy metals causing adverse effects on soil, water and food quality. This study assessed the concentrations of selected heavy metals and soil properties in soils on newly opened farmlands freshly treated with agrochemicals. Twelve locations were sampled, and soil samples were analysed for SOC, pH, available P, EC, Cr, Cd, Ni and Pb. Results showed that excessive agrochemical use reduced soil quality, while continuous compost use improved soil properties significantly.
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