Evaluation of micronutrient status of unburnt and burnt coffee plantation in Ibadan

The micronutrient status of the soils and leaf of unburnt and burnt plots of coffee plantation to study the soil-plant micronutrient content relationship in the coffee plantation soil for proper management towards optimum production of the crop was investigated at Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Soil samples were collected from the burnt and unburnt plots in the coffee plantation at 3 depth of 0-20 cm, 20-40 cm and 40-60 cm were bulked into composite samples. Leaf samples of burnt and unburnt plots were collected at the same plantation soil pit for both locations.The soil samples were analyzed for the micronutrients manganese(Mn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) and in addition pH and organic carbon, while the leaves were analyzed for only the micronutrient contents. Results obtained from the unburnt and burnt plots indicated that the organic carbon content of the soil was low and the soil is deficient in Cu and Zn but very in Mn and Fe content. The micronutrient content of the leaves was deficient in Mn, Cu, and Zn but high in Fe. This probably resulted in nutrient imbalance in the soils and the deficiency of the nutrients in the crops. Soil and leaf micronutrient concentration were found insufficient for coffee plantation in the study area. The plantations therefore require application of organic manures and micronutrient fertilizers to rectify the inadequate soil organic matter and to supply sufficient amount of Cu and Zn in the soils, to obtain quality berry yield at optimum level from the plantation.