Effect of Mechanic Village Activities on Selected Soil Properties in Abakaliki Southeastern Nigeria

Abstract

The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of mechanic village on selected soil physico-chemical properties and heavy metals content in Abakaliki Southeastern Nigeria. Five replicate soil samples were collected from arable land (Control), lorry automobile repair site (Lorry), motorcycle automobile repair site,(motorcycle) car and bus repair site(car and bus),  automobile spare parts market (spare parts). These samples were taken to laboratory for the determination of selected soil physico-chemical properties and heavy metal content. The data obtained from this research was analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) based on CRD and difference between treatment means were dictated using F-LSD at P < 0.05. The result showed significantly (p < 0.05) adverse effect among the different automobile locations studied with respect to control in bulk density, total porosity, mean weight diameter and aggregate stability. The chemical properties of soils of mechanic village were also significantly adversely affected by mechanic village. The observed heavy metals in mechanic village were higher than the recommended ranges in soils. Therefore, it advisable that some agronomical practices that could increase the nutrients and lower the heavy metals level should be employed in order to get high crop yield and safe produce.