Assessment of Available Micronutrients Status in the Soils of Macuata Province of Fiji

The study was carried out to assess the level of available micronutrients (Fe, Cu, Mn, and Zn) in relation to the other important soil properties. Twenty-nine soil samples were collected from various locations in the Macuata province of Fiji namely Naleba, Nakama, and Labasa to determine the properties of soil. The available micronutrient (DTPA extractable) viz., Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The laboratory-analyzed data revealed that the soils of the study area are acidic in nature with low electrical conductivity and moderate soil organic carbon. Available micronutrient analysis revealed that iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and copper (Cu) were found to be sufficient in most of the soil samples, whereas available zinc (Zn) was found to be marginal in 45 percent of the analyzed samples. Further, pH showed a positive correlation with Zn and Cu and a negative correlation with SOC. Soil organic carbon showed a negative correlation with Mn and Cu showed positive correlations with Zn.