Department of Soil Science, Ambrose Alii University, Ekpoma, Nigeria.
Present address: *Department of Soil Science, University of Benin, Benin city, nigeria.
The mechanism of P retention in Nigerian soils are rather complex and difficult to understand. Many researchers, however, view P retention as continuum embodying precipitation, chemisorption, and adsorption, if the processes are viewed throughout the entire zone of soil influenced by fertilizer application and throughout a time span encompassing an entire growing season or longer. However, it is important to note that P retention in Nigerian soils is influenced by many factors such as P concentration in solution, amount of hydrated oxides of iron and aluminum, soil pH, organic matter, type and amount of clay, exchangeable AI and parent materials.
