Morphogenetic and geochemical assessment of wetland soils developed over Abeokuta formation of Ogun State Nigeria

• Published in: Arabian journal of geosciences Vol. 17; no. 6
• Main Authors: Osinuga, Olufemi Adewale, Adeoye, Rabiat Abisola, Adesenla, Israel Adeyinka, Adeyoyin, Victor Abiola, Olutimi, Mayowa Shola, Senjobi, Bolarinwa Ayoola
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cham Springer International Publishing 2024; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Acidic soils; Aluminum oxide; Calcium; Chemical composition; Clay; Clay minerals; Earth and Environmental Science; Earth Sciences; Ferric oxide; Geochemistry; Groundwater table; Kaolinite; Micronutrients; Minerals; Nutrient cycles; Organic carbon; Original Paper; Silica; Silicon dioxide; Soil; Soil chemistry; Soil formation; Soil pH; Soils; Surface layers; Titanium dioxide; Water depth; Water table; Weathering; Wetlands; Nigeria; Pedogenesis; Geochemistry; Weathering; Gleying; Abeokuta formation
• ISSN: 1866-7511; 1866-7538
• DOI: 10.1007/s12517-024-11975-8

Morphogenetic properties and geochemical compositions were analyzed and assessed to improve our understanding of pedogenesis and geochemistry of wetland soils on the Abeokuta formation of Ogun State, Nigeria. Three profiles were dug to a depth of 1.2 m except where the water table is high, and examined for their morphological, physical, chemical, and geochemical compositions using standard laboratory techniques. Gleying (mottles) were present in some of the subsurface horizons, and dark greyish colour dominates the soil matrix. The particle size is dominated by sand fractions and the clay fraction increases with depth. The soil pH was moderately acid to neutral (4.6–6.8) and the organic carbon contents were low to high (4.9–43.1 g/kg). The exchange site was dominated by Ca and Mg, while Fe and Mn contents were higher among the micronutrients. Kaolinite, quartz, and degraded mica were the dominant minerals in the clay fractions. The geochemical results reveal that the order of abundance of major oxides is SiO 2  > Al 2 O 3  > Fe 2 O 3  > CaO > MgO > Na 2 O > TiO 2  ≥ K 2 O. Geochemical indices point to a moderate degree of weathering and pedogenesis. Higher contents of SiO 2 and Al 2 O 3 and calcium in the surface layers indicate relative enrichment of minerals during weathering and nutrient cycling by vegetation.