DOMINANT MESOPHILIC ACTINOMYCETES IN OREDO SOILS

Abstract

Investigations were carried out on dominant mesophilic actinomycetes in soil samples from eight different farmlands in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. Actinomycetal isolates were characterized and identified using their morphological, biochemical traits and ability to utilize various carbon sources. The physical and chemical properties of the soil samples were also carried out, using qualitative and quantitative means of analysis. Total actinomycete counts ranged from 0.8 x 104 cfu/g to 3.8 x 104cfu/g. Four genera of actinomycetes were isolated regularly. They included Streptomyces, Nocardia, Micromonospora and Oerskovia spp. of which Streptomyces and Nocardia spp. were the most abundant in all sampling sites. Particle size soil analysis showed a sand, silt and clay fraction of 82.6 – 92%, 1.2 - 10.8%, and 5.3-11% respectively. The pH of all soil samples ranged between 5.37 – 5.99. Percentage organic matter ranged from 0.51 – 1%. The nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium contents of the soil samples may influence the prevalence of actinomycetes in the soil.