Assessment of some biological properties of soils across selected farming communities of Southern and Northern Nigeria

Background and Aims: This study examines the impact of soil biological parameters on agricultural productivity and sustainability across Nigeria's diverse climates. Materials and Methods: A multistage sampling method was adopted to collect 108 soil samples from four southern and northern Nigeria locations, three communities, and three farmers' fields and replicated three times in a Complete Randomized Block Design (RCBD). Each sample was analyzed for initial physicochemical and some selected microbial properties. Results: In the humid southern regions, microbial activity was high in Location 1 (L1), with bacterial densities reaching 12.31 x 10 ⁷ CFU/ml and associated fungal and yeast densities at 1.55 x 10 ⁶ SFU/ml and 5.08 counts, respectively. This indicates a bacterial-dominated ecosystem favourable for rapid nutrient cycling, although it may risk soil structure over the long term if unmanaged. Conversely, Location 3 (L3) in the drier northern areas showed less bacterial activity at 9.83 x 10 ⁷ CFU/ml but higher fungal and yeast populations. This suggests a more diverse microbial environment that could enhance nutrient cycling and soil structure, which is essential in arid regions. The study also investigated how environmental factors and farming practices influence microbial balances through hierarchical clustering analysis. Clusters like L3C1F2 and L3C2F3 demonstrated balanced microbial ecosystems with substantial fungal and yeast populations, supporting robust soil health. Conclusion: This research highlights the need for precise, region-specific agricultural practices that accommodate local microbial profiles to optimize crop yields and sustain soil health, enhancing food security and economic stability in Nigeria.