Afangide Akaninyene1, Asianya Nzubechukwu1, Paul Inyang2, Aberagi Fidelis3, Egboka Nzube Aririguzo Bernadine1, Chukwu Ebelechukwu1, Tom Christian4, Okon Michael1, Osisi Adaku1, Ekejiuba Chidiebere1 and Udoh Ofoime1
1 Federal Uuniversity of Technology, Department of Soil Science and Technology, P. M. B. 1526, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
2 Alex Ekwume Federal University, Department of Agriculture, Faculty of Agriculture, Calabar, Nigeria
3 University of Calabar, Department of Soil Science, Calabar, Nigeria
4 Federal Uuniversity of Technology, Department of Crop Science and Technology, Owerr, Nigeria
Akaninyene, A., Nzubechukwu, A., Inyang, P., Fidelis, A., Bernadine, E. N. A., Ebelechukwu, Ch., Christian, T., Michael, O., Adaku, O., Chidiebere, E. & Ofoime, U. (2025). The assessment of enzymatic activities of urban soils under different land use types in Owerri, Southeastern Nigeria. Bulg. J. Agric. Sci., 31(3), 464–468
The aim of this study was to assess the effects of different land use types, dumpsite and waterleaf farm on soil properties and enzymes production. The investigation was carried out using composite top soil sample (0–20 cm) by mixing sub-samples from six random points within 4 metres square (4 m2), in three dumpsite soils and three waterleaf farms of Nekede, Ihiagwa and Akachi. A total of eighteen samples were used for the analyses of soil properties and enzymes production using standard procedures. The results revealed that soil pH (H2O) varied from 5.30 to 5.57. Akachi dumpsite recorded the highest pH (H2O) (5.57), while the least was observed in Ihiagwa waterleaf farm (5.30). Catalase production recorded highest value of 7.27 mg g-1 in Ihiagwa dumpsite soil while the least was 2.60 mg g-1 in Ihiagwa waterleaf farm. Urease was highest in Nekede dumpsite with value of 9.03 mg g-1 whereas the least was 3.00 mg g-1 recorded in Akachi waterleaf farm. The relationship between catalase and ECEC was positive and significant (r = 0.64*), while the relationship between urease and total nitrogen was also positive and significant (r = 65*). Soil organic matter, soil pH and ECEC were the major factors influencing activities of soil enzymes.