Copper concentrations in soils of Narok County, Kenya
Abstract
Copper (Cu) deficiency has been identified in soils in major wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) growing areas in Kenya. The objective of this study was to determine the concentration levels of copper in soils of wheat growing areas in Narok, County (1.3605° S, 35.7407° E). Fifty soil samples were collected from (Narok Town (1.0918° S, 35.8498° E), Olokurto (0.6333° S, 35.8500° E), Nkareta (0.9134° S, 35.7734° E), Olorropil (0° 43’ 38” S, 35° 58’ 53” E) and Melili (0.9333° S, 36.0833° E). The concentration of copper ions in the soil samples were determined by use of Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The results showed the concentration levels varied between and within the farms of which 58% of the samples were below the critical value 1.0 mg/kg and was deemed as low concentration whereas 42% of the soil samples were above the critical concentration value of 1.0 mg/kg hence were adequately supplied with copper for wheat growing. The total average mean was 0.98±0.11 (SE) mg/kg, which according to Soil Classification was below the critical value of copper hence, these findings are an indication of copper deficiency in soils in wheat growing areas in Narok North Sub-County. This study recommends that wheat seed should be dressed with copper compounds before planting and sprayed at tillering stage to alleviate copper deficiency problem. Moreover farmers should be advised to constantly carry out soil testing in order to correct the deficiency of this micronutrient. It is therefore necessary to formulate fertilizers that contain Cu as a micronutrient.
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