Abstract

EFFECTS OF DIESEL OIL-POLLUTED SOIL ON THE GERMINATION AND GROWTH OF SOYBEANS AND RED GUINEA CORN SEEDS

Duru N. C.*, Chimereze N. C., Sydney-Anuforo O., Chibu-Ikwuagwu O. G., Ononogbo N. C., Akueshi C. U. and Ibe I. J.

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Abstract

Effects of diesel oil-polluted soil on the germination and growth of soybeans and red guinea corn seeds were evaluated. Toxicity test with different concentrations of the diesel oil soaked in three sets of filter papers placed in the petri-dishes and planted with the seeds was first undertaken to ascertain the pollutant effects on the germination of the plant seeds. The soil sample was collected from the Federal Polytechnic Nekede Owerri school farm with the aid of a spade and transported to the preparation ground in clean plastic buckets where it was sun-dried for 3 days. 3kg each of the sun-dried loamy soil sample was weighed out in three sets and each set was mixed with 30ml, 150ml and 300ml of diesel to obtain 1% (set 1), 5% (set 2) and 10% (set 3) pollutions, respectively, which were dispensed into perforated plastic buckets. Each of these polluted soil samples was planted with the seeds of Red Guinea Corn and Soybeans plants. A control was set up without diesel pollution (0%). Each sample was set up in duplicates. During the first and second week of plants growth, the shoot and root lengths of the seedlings were measured. The results showed that radicle, shoot and root growth was not inhibited by the diesel oil. In the first week of growth, inhibition of the root by the diesel oil was not significant (P

Keywords: Diesel oil, Polluted soil, Germination. Soybeans seeds, Red guinea corn seeds.