MICROBIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF SOIL FROM KWARA STATE POLYTECHNIC TEACHING AND RESEARCH FARM, ILORIN, KWARA STATE, NIGERIA

Soil health is a very significant factor in safeguarding sustainable agricultural practices, particularly in maize production. Thus, the aim of this paper was to assess the microbiological properties of soil from a teaching and research farm in Ilorin East LGA, Kwara State, Nigeria. Auger was used to collect samples from each of the sampling units. A total of 50 composite samples were collected from profile pits of the two-soil series across the 20-hectare using the random sampling technique. Samples collected were dug at 15-30cm from where it was transported to the laboratory in a well-labeled polythene bags. The soil samples were dried, sieved and analyzed in the laboratory to determine their microbiological properties. A combination of methods was used to analyze the samples including the substrate-induced respiration method, sequential technique, spread plate methods and serial-dilution. The data collected were statistically analyzed with the use of descriptive statistic such as mean. The study revealed that the mean values of pseudomonas spp, eschericihia spp, nitrosococuuc sp and listeria sp are 17.475, 43.15, 69.5 and 77.5 respectively while mean values of streptococcus spp, protein sp and mucor spp are 2.32, 53.1 and 14.99 respectively. This indicated that the bacteria population and the fungi species are low despite its high organic content. To address these issues, the study recommended the need to appropriate soil management such as application of organic amendments and fertilizers are essential for optimizing crop yields, maintaining soil fertility and. improving the soil health.