General geology and geochemistry of soil in Kg. Kalai Baharu, Jeli, Kelantan

This study was conducted to analyze the geochemical properties of soil for agricultural purpose as geochemical data is usually overlooked in assessing the properties of soil to maximize yield and production. The study area is located in Kg.Kalai Baharu, Jeli which in northern part of Kelantan covering a study area of 25km². Objectives of this study are to update the geological map of Kg.Kalai Baharu and to study the chemical properties of soil for agricultural purpose. Methods used are ignition method, XRF, ICP-OES and AAS. Field observation and mapping reveals four types of lithologies present in the study area. It includes marble, limestone, hornfels and foliated granites. Petrographically the rocks mainly consist of calcite, biotite, quartz and feldspar. Ten soil samples were taken at different locations around the study area. Depth of sampling was made constant for each location which was 0-20cm. Soil studies were done for six parameters which include organic matter (OM), pH, moisture content, cation exchange capacity (CEC), trace elements and minor elements. Results reveal that the organic matters in the soil are of low to moderate in quantity. While pH analysis shows that soils in the study area are mostly acidic with range 3.75 to 5.12. But has high moisture content suitable for plant growth with mostly around 18%. CEC was analysed using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Results show presence of five cations Na, K, Mg, Cu and Fe where Na and K show dominance in quantity in two locations. X- ray Fluorescence (XRF) method was used to analyze the availability of minor elements in soil. Minor elements demonstrate Cl>Ba>Mn>Cr abundance trend in the study area. Trace elements in the soil were analysed using ICP-OES technique. Elements Zn, Pb, Cd, Ni and Cu were found to be present in the soils of the study area. Zn and Cu were found to be exceeding the permissible limit set by Department of Environment, Malaysia at certain locations while abundance of Pb, Cd and Ni were found to be not in a threatening quantity. Remediation steps and proper management should be implemented to improve the soil quality in the study area.