Analysis of Savannah and Rainforest Soils of Nigeria using Thermal Neutron Activation Analysis Technique

In Nigeria, large percentages of the populations are engaged in farming on the arable land. Elements play very important role in the fertility of these arable soils. To determine the essential elemental composition of soils obtained from Savannah and Rainforest parts of Nigeria, thermal neutrons activation analysis technique (TNAA) was used and the outer irradiation channel of Nigeria Research Reactor -1 (NIRR-1). This research reactor was operated at full power of 31kW and a neuron setting of 2.50 x 10 11 cm -2 s -1 . Nine elements were determined in all the samples and identified in two groups. Group I elements identified as nutritionally-essential macronutrients to plants includes; Mg, K, Ca Na, Mn, and V. Group II elements identified to be non metabolic nutrients to plant includes Al Ti and Dy. However, Mg, K, Ca were present in large concentration and Na, Mn, V present in minor concentration in all the samples. Also, Al and Ti were present in minor concentration and Dy present in relatively low concentration in all the samples.