Journal of Natural Science Research and Review (JNSRR) · Research article · Open access
Influence of Repeated Agrochemical Inputs on Nutrient Availability and Heavy Metal Status of Lowland Soils of Ifite-Ogwari Anambra State Nigeria
M. J. Okafor, E. C. Nnabuihe, O. A. Apalowo, A. O. Onunwa, C. K. Anene, C. I. Ernest, C. J. Nwaiwu, J. E. Nwankwo, E. A. Obidiebube, I. Uko, S. E. Anarah
31 August 2025 · Vol. 1, Issue 2, pp. 33-38
DOI: 10.65150/EP-jnsrr/V1E2/2025-A008 (registration with Crossref in progress)
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What is this article about?
This study evaluated the influence of repeated agrochemical inputs on nutrient availability and heavy metal status of lowland soils in Ifite-Ogwari, Anambra State. Composite soil samples were collected from agrochemical-treated fields (AGI) and adjacent fallow soils (control) at two depths (0–15 cm and 15–30 cm).
Article at a glance
- Published
- 31 August 2025
- Volume / issue / pages
- Vol. 1, Issue 2, pp. 33-38
- ISSN
- 3051-3766 (online) · 3051-3758 (print)
- Licence
- CC BY 4.0 — free to read and reuse with attribution
- Peer review
- Double-blind, at least two independent reviewers
- Publisher
- EP Journals Group
Abstract
This study evaluated the influence of repeated agrochemical inputs on nutrient availability and heavy metal status of lowland soils in Ifite-Ogwari, Anambra State. Composite soil samples were collected from agrochemical-treated fields (AGI) and adjacent fallow soils (control) at two depths (0–15 cm and 15–30 cm). Standard laboratory analyses were conducted to determine texture, bulk density, pH, organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen (TN), exchangeable bases, effective cation exchange capacity (ECEC), available phosphorus (Av.P), and concentrations of arsenic (As) and lead (Pb). Results showed significant reductions (p ≤ 0.05) in OC, TN, Ca²⁺, and Av.P under AGI soils compared with controls, indicating fertility depletion. Soil pH remained acidic across sites, but AGI soils recorded slightly higher values. Heavy metals exhibited contrasting trends; arsenic (As) was significantly higher in AGI soils at 15 – 30 cm depth, while Pb concentrations showed no significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) between AGI and control soils nor across depths. Correlation analysis revealed that arsenic (As) was strongly correlated with soil texture (silt, clay) and pH, whereas Pb correlated with exchangeable bases (Na⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺). Although As and Pb levels remained below international safety limits, the observed build-up under continuous inputs highlights the risk of long-term accumulation. The findings demonstrate that repeated agrochemical use compromises soil fertility and promotes gradual heavy metal enrichment, underscoring the need for integrated soil fertility management and reduced dependence on chemical inputs in lowland rice systems.
Keywords: Lowlands, Soils, Fertility, Agrochemicals, Heavy metals
Cite this article
M. J. Okafor, E. C. Nnabuihe, O. A. Apalowo, A. O. Onunwa, C. K. Anene, C. I. Ernest, C. J. Nwaiwu, J. E. Nwankwo, E. A. Obidiebube, I. Uko, & S. E. Anarah (2025). Influence of Repeated Agrochemical Inputs on Nutrient Availability and Heavy Metal Status of Lowland Soils of Ifite-Ogwari Anambra State Nigeria. Journal of Natural Science Research and Review, 1(2), 33-38. https://www.ep-journals.org/articles/influence-of-repeated-agrochemical-inputs-on-nutrient-availability-and-heavy-24f63496
@article{M2025,
title = {Influence of Repeated Agrochemical Inputs on Nutrient Availability and Heavy Metal Status of Lowland Soils of Ifite-Ogwari Anambra State Nigeria},
author = {M. J. Okafor and E. C. Nnabuihe and O. A. Apalowo and A. O. Onunwa and C. K. Anene and C. I. Ernest and C. J. Nwaiwu and J. E. Nwankwo and E. A. Obidiebube and I. Uko and S. E. Anarah},
journal = {Journal of Natural Science Research and Review},
year = {2025},
volume = {1},
number = {2},
pages = {33-38},
url = {https://www.ep-journals.org/articles/influence-of-repeated-agrochemical-inputs-on-nutrient-availability-and-heavy-24f63496}
}Questions about this article
Who wrote this article?
M. J. Okafor, E. C. Nnabuihe, O. A. Apalowo, A. O. Onunwa, C. K. Anene, C. I. Ernest, C. J. Nwaiwu, J. E. Nwankwo, E. A. Obidiebube, I. Uko, S. E. Anarah.
Where and when was it published?
In Journal of Natural Science Research and Review, Volume 1, Issue 2, pages 33-38, published by EP Journals Group on 31 August 2025.
Is this article free to read?
Yes. It is open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0) licence, so anyone can read, share and reuse it with attribution.
What is the DOI of this article?
10.65150/EP-jnsrr/V1E2/2025-A008. Registration with Crossref is in progress.
How do I cite this article?
APA: M. J. Okafor, E. C. Nnabuihe, O. A. Apalowo, A. O. Onunwa, C. K. Anene, C. I. Ernest, C. J. Nwaiwu, J. E. Nwankwo, E. A. Obidiebube, I. Uko, & S. E. Anarah (2025). Influence of Repeated Agrochemical Inputs on Nutrient Availability and Heavy Metal Status of Lowland Soils of Ifite-Ogwari Anambra State Nigeria. Journal of Natural Science Research and Review, 1(2), 33-38. https://www.ep-journals.org/articles/influence-of-repeated-agrochemical-inputs-on-nutrient-availability-and-heavy-24f63496
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