Physicochemical analysis of non-rhizosphere and rhizosphere soil of <i>Sorghum bicolor</i> (Guinea corn) field

Abstract

Soil is one of nature's most dynamic sites of biological interaction, where crop nutrition are found. The rhizosphere is the area surrounding plant roots where microorganisms, particularly bacteria, are active, whereas non-rhizosphere soil, also known as bulk soil, is soil that lacks plant roots and does not belong to any rhizosphere soil. Physicochemical analysis of non-rhizosphere and rhizosphere soil of Sorghum bicolor field was determined. Before planting, physicochemical analysis of a soil was performed, and after planting, rhizosphere and bulk soil of Sorghum bicolor field were determined. Parameters considered in determining the soil's suitability for plant growth and development include, the pH, moisture content, water holding capacity, and organic matter content were all measured. For fourteen weeks, soil samples were collected every two weeks. Rhizosphere soil had pH range of 5.49 ± 0.02 – 8.15 ± 0.02, soil moisture content: 0.56 ± 0.01% – 1.22 ± 0.01, water holding capacity: 43.34 ± 0.47 ml/gm – 53.75 ± 0.55 ml/gm, organic matter: 30.12 ± 0.54 g kg-¹ – 42.45 ± 0.02 g kg-¹. Bulk soil had pH range of 6.72 ± 0.02 – 7.46 ± 0.03, soil moisture: 0.10 ± 0.00% – 2.13 ± 0.02%, water holding capacity: 42.82 ± 0.32 ml/gm – 44.42 ± 0.25 ml/gm and organic matter: 5.68 ± 0.65 g kg^-1 – 30.13 ± 0.52 g kg^-1. Prior to planting Sorghum bicolor, the soil texture revealed that it is sandy loam. After observing the soil, it can be concluded that it is versatile, productive, and capable of supporting the growth of Guinea corn (Sorghum bicolor).