Mineral contents and their interrelationships in soil–forage system along a transhumant route of nomadic pastoralists in Southern Nigeria

Abstract

A study was undertaken to determine the mineral status of selected soils and forage along a transhumant route of nomadic pastoralists in the derived savanna of Southern Nigeria. The interrelationships among nutrients in the soil–forage system were also determined. Thus, soil and forage samples were collected along the route at the same time. The forage sampled were Centrosema pubsescens and Panicum maximum. The soils ranged from acid to slightly alkaline. Some of the soil constituents showed significant relationships with one another. Phosphorus (P) and sodium (Na) contents of the forages, based on established critical levels were sufficient for ruminant animal production. The concentration of iron (Fe) in the forages was low in some of the locations while crude protein (CP), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), and zinc (Zn) contents were inadequate. A few minerals in the soil showed significant relationships with those in the forage tissue. Consequently, it was concluded that since correlation coefficients between soil and plant tissue were low, prediction of mineral status of forage by regression analysis from mineral content of soil is likely to remain imperfect. However, arising form the deficiencies of certain minerals in the forages, there is need to supplement grazing animals along the route for increased productivity.

Acknowledgments