The nutrient level of Ahokor clay deposit in Kogi State, Nigeria was evaluated with the view of using it as a soil ammendments in soils deficient in plant mineral nutrients. Exchangeable bases (EB), cation exchange capacity (CEC), exchangeable acidity (EA) and percent base saturation were determined at five different pH levels for the top (LT) and bottom layers (LB) of the clay. These parameters were determined at pH4, pH5, pH7, pH8 and pH9 respectively. The exchangeable bases varied with change in pH with optimum values of K+ (1.120 0.300 cmolKg-1) and Na+ (0.701 0.010 cmolKg-1) for LT obtained at pH7 and pH4 respectively, while those of Ca2+ (0.920 0.025 cmolKg-1) and Mg2+ (0.298 0.027 cmolKg-1) were recorded at pH9. Optimum values for the exchangeable bases for the bottom clay (LB) were recorded at pH9 with values of 0.536 0.020 cmolKg-1, 3.522 0.023 cmolKg-1, 1.959 0.020 cmolKg-1 and 0.358 0.036 cmolKg-1 recorded for Na+ , K+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ respectively. The optimum condition for application as soil ammendment was obtained at pH9 as the percent base saturation which indicates that the crystal lattice is occupied with more of the desired base cations was highest at this pH for both layers.

In order to assess the plastic and thermal behaviour of the clay mineral deposits at Uhonmora, Edo State, Nigeria, the chemical, mineralogical and physical properties were evaluated. The results of the study showed that the deposits consisted of phyllosilicate minerals such as kaolinite, illite and clinochlore; other mineral present were quartz, sanidine high, geonalite, diaspore and and lepidocrocite. The clay minerals exhibited moderate swelling characteristics and medium plasticity; the linear shrinkage and apparent porosity were within the accepted values for refractory clays. It is reddish-brown colour on account of the presence of coloured iron mineral lepidocrocite. The clay minerals also exhibited good thermal shock resistance and refractoriness above 1200oC. The properties of the clay mineral deposits were reflection of the combined effects of the properties of the clay minerals and other non-clay mineral constituents. The study revealed that the clay mineral deposits studied had good refractory characteristics and can be used at operating temperature conditions above 1200oC.

Proximate composition (moisture, carbohydrate, protein, ash, fat and fibre) and mineral composition (K, Na, Ca, P, Mg, Se, Fe, Cu and Zn) of Calliandra surinamensis seed were determined using standard methods. The % moisture content obtained was (12.80 ± 0.04), % carbohydrate (59.81 ± 0.07), % crude protein (5.95 ± 0.70), % ash (2.63 ± 0.20), % crude fat (4.74 ± 0.17), % crude fibre (14.07 ± 1.33). The mineral content that was analysed in the seed in mg/kg were; K (13.72 ± 1.09), Na (9.50 ± 1.53), Ca (36.92 ± 0.55), Mg (27.50 ± 0.61), Se (0.28 ± 0.11), Fe (0.78 ± 1.29), Cu (0.09 ± 0.08), Zn (0.49 ± 0.10) and P (1.79± 0.07). The result revealed that Calliandra surinamensis seed has a good shelf-life, high carbohydrate content, moderately and acceptable values for crude protein and lipid. The seed was found to be rich in macro mineral elements of calcium, magnesium, sodium and with a higher potassium content compared to sodium.The sodium to potassium ratio (Na+/ K+ 0.69) fell within the range (Na/K ≤1.0) recommended by World Health Organization for prevention of cardiovascular diseases. The seed is also a good source of essential micro mineral elements of iron, selenium, zinc and copper which can aid the development of cell tissues. Therefore, composition of Calliandra surinamensis seed from this study suggests that it would be beneficial for both domestic and industrial applications as complementary food source.