GLOBAL JOURNAL OF EARTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Integrity Research Journals
ISSN: 2636-6002
Model: Open Access/Peer Reviewed
DOI: 10.31248/GJEES
Start Year: 2016
Email: gjees@integrityresjournals.org
Assessment of soil physico-chemical properties near limestone mining sites in Eastern Kogi, Nigeria
https://doi.org/10.31248/GJEES2025.193 | Article Number: 3A3A9CFB4 | Vol.10 (6) - December 2025
Received Date: 25 April 2025 | Accepted Date: 20 June 2025 | Published Date: 30 December 2025
Authors: Suleiman, S. S.* , Imam, M. , Mohammed, S. , Adamu, A.B. , Dantata, D. , Dala, A. , Tukur, Y. M. , Matazu, M. A. and Umar, N. U.
Keywords: Alo, land degradation, low crop yield, nutrient depletion, sustainable mining.
The impact of solid mineral mining, like limestone, on the physico-chemical properties of the soil of the study area is a serious problem that needs to be addressed to promote sustainable mining practices and environmental protection. A total of 36 soil samples were collected from six plots using a combination of random and composite sampling methods. The samples were taken at 100-meter intervals along a 400-meter transect extending from the mining site, with additional samples collected 15,000m away along the same path at a depth of 0-15cm. A systematic transect sampling design was adopted for this study, and the collected data were analysed using descriptive statistics. The results of the physicochemical analysis revealed significant alterations in soil properties. Notably, the mean sand content was found to be 80.40%, while the mean silt and clay contents were 12.73% and 6.40%, respectively. The electrical conductivity of the soil ranged from 0.22 to 2.4 ds/m. Furthermore, the study observed an increase in phosphorus, organic carbon, organic matter, total nitrogen, and potassium while pH, sodium, calcium, and magnesium content decreased with an increase in distance from the mining site. These findings suggest that mining activities are negatively impacting soil physico-chemical properties. This can potentially lead to nutrient imbalances and reduced crop yields. The study concluded that there are significant implications for agricultural productivity and food security in the area. Therefore, the study recommended that regular monitoring of soil properties should be conducted in the area to mitigate the adverse effects of limestone mining on the agricultural soils of the environment.
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