Abstract
Land use plays a critical role in determining soil quality and crop productivity. This study investigated the effects of different land use types on the growth performance of maize (Zea mays L.) using soils collected from farm, dumpsite, roadside, field, and built-up areas. Maize seeds were planted in pots containing the soils, and data were collected on germination percentage, plant height, leaf area, and chlorophyll content for a period of 32 days. The results revealed significant variations in maize performance across the land use types. Germination percentage was highest in soils from built-up (86%) and field areas (82%), while the lowest was observed in dumpsite soils (54%). In contrast, vegetative growth and chlorophyll content were superior in maize grown in dumpsite soils, which recorded the tallest plants (42.6 cm) and largest leaf area (95.4 cm²). Farm soils performed least across most parameters, while roadside soils supported moderate growth but showed signs of stress, possibly due to compaction and contamination. This study concludes that land use history significantly influences the capacity of soils to support maize growth. Although soils from non-agricultural environments such as dumpsites enhanced vegetative growth, their low germination performance and potential contamination risks highlight the need for caution. Sustainable land management practices remain essential to improving soil quality and ensuring crop productivity.