The study was carried out to examine the effect of municipal solid waste (MSW) dump sites on physico-chemical properties of
soils in Ife East Local Government Area of Osun State, Nigeria. A total of 90 soil samples were collected from four dump sites
and a control across two seasons. Each sample site was divided into four quadrats each 3m2
and a total of 9-15 cores soil per
quadrat were collected from three of the four quadrats randomly at depths (0-15 cm), (15-30 cm) and (30-50 cm) using a stainless
steel Dutch auger in composite replicate mixed thoroughly and sub samples collected and analysed for soil properties.
Statistical analysis made use of SAS software using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Duncan Multiple range test (DMRT) to
separate means of soil properties. The study revealed that municipal solid waste dump sites vary significantly in their physicochemical
properties along the profile from one depth to the other. The study revealed that there were variations in factors
explaining changes in soil physico-chemical properties at depth 0-15 cm, 15-30 cm and 30-50 cm. Also more of physical
parameters were responsible for variation in soil properties at top soil (0-15 cm) while at the sub soil (15-30 cm and 30-50 cm)
more of chemical parameters were responsible for variations in soil properties on the dump sites in both seasons. It was further
observed that % sand, % OM and % silt in both seasons decreased with increasing depth with the exception of % clay which
increased with increasing depth. The study showed that changes in soil physico-chemical characteristics at dump sites could be
attributed to combination of interactions from different soil properties rather than a single soil factor which could be harnessed
for planning and decision making for a better managed environment.