PHOSPHORUS SORPTION BY ULTISOLS AND INCEPTISOLS OF THE NIGER DELTA IN SOUTHERN NIGERIA

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Abstract
Phosphorus (P) sorption at equilibrium concentrations of 0.1–2 ppm in 0.01 M CaCl2 by 42 samples of highly acidic surface layers of Ultisols and Inceptisols from three major geomorphological regions of the Niger Delta of Nigeria, West Africa, conformed to the Langmuir isotherm. Langmuir sorption maxima and sorption at 0.2 ppm equilibrium P concentration ranged from 100–767 μ P/g soil and 30–240 fig μ P/g soil, respectively, indicating that the soil samples have low to medium P fertilizer requirements. No significant difference in sorption capacities among the soils of the three geomorphological regions or the two soil orders was noticed. Sorption capacities were significantly correlated with percentages of clay and silt, surface area, and different forms of Fe and Al, but not with pH or organic matter. Multiple regression equations relating P sorption to exchangeable Al, amorphous Al, amorphous Fe, and crystalline Fe are presented, and the relative contributions of these factors in the soils of the three geomorphological regions are discussed. © Williams & Wilkins 1987. All Rights Reserved.