MICROBIAL ANALYSIS OF SOIL IN A BAMBOO GROOVE AT THE FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE, ABEOKUTA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA.

Abstract

Microorganisms in the soil are of great importance for the plant growth, sustainability, balancing of soil ecosystem and restoration of lost nutrient in the soil. The aim of this study is to identify microbial population under different depths at the bamboo groove behind the University Health Centre of Federal University of Agriculture, Nigeria. The soil samples were collected at depth of 0–15cm, 15-30cm and 30–45 cm from each land use area and were taken to the laboratory for microbial analysis. Dilution spread plates method of identification of microbial population was used with each treatment replicated three times for statistical reliability. The result showed that, there are 7 different species of bacteria and 5 fungal strains isolated from all the soil samples used. The probable isolated bacterial species were E coli, Bacillus subtilis, Clostridium septicum, Bacillus, Proteus, Enterobacter, Klebsiella aerogenes and the isolated fungi species were Aspergillus funmigatus, Alternaria alternate, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium spp, A niger. The microbial colony-forming units decreased progressively with increasing soil depth, indicating microbial activity is highest within the top 0-30 cm of the soil profile. This suggest that the upper soil layer should remain undisturbed as it contains vital microorganisms essential for nutrient recycling and plant productivity. The morphological characteristics of the isolated bacteria and fungi indicates the Bacillus spp and the Aspergillus spp are the dominant bacteria in the soil which aligns with previous findings highlighting their importance in organic matter decomposition and soil fertility enhancement. The study underscores the ecological significance of bamboo groves as biodiversity hotspot that support diverse microbial communities crucial for sustainable soil health and management.