Abstract
The rapid expansion of urbanization and industrial activities in Ibadan, Nigeria, has led to the proliferation of dump sites, posing significant challenges to the environment and agricultural practices. A significant amount of elements and organic materials in leachates from solid waste can exceed the needs for crop production and environmental sustainability, potentially enhancing soil properties like moisture and alkalinity. In Ibadan, Nigeria, farmers utilize solid waste as compost to enrich soils, but there are concerns regarding contaminant transfer to crops, which may affect productivity and human health. This study aims at assessing the impact of dump sites on agricultural soils in Ibadan by examining soil contamination implications on crop (okra) productivity. Through soil sampling and analysis, the study evaluates key physio-chemical properties, including pH, organic matter content, nutrient availability, and heavy metal concentrations. The findings reveal that soils from the Lapite dumpsite provide the best conditions for plant growth compared with samples obtained from other dumpsites, showing lower pH of 6.23 and higher organic matter levels of 3.82%. In contrast, soils from Abaeku and Ajakanga exhibited poor fertility and higher contamination, resulting in 12% reduction in the crop yields. The results indicated that high levels of contaminants in these soils negatively impact nutrient absorption and hinder agricultural productivity, posing potential health risks for consumers. Okra plants cultivated in contaminated soils exhibited 2% fewer leaves, and 2% thinner stems, which further demonstrates the detrimental effects on agricultural output. Farmers in affected areas are prone to experience significant financial strain due to decreased productivity, while the accumulation of toxic substances in crops raises concerns about food safety and public health. The study underscores the need for sustainable waste management practices, stricter regulatory enforcement, and appropriate location to mitigate the negative effects of dump sites on agricultural lands. This research contributes valuable insights into the development of policies aimed at improving environmental sustainability and agricultural resilience in urbanizing regions like Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
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