Characterization of Some Selected Soils Based on Fertility Capability Classification. In Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Characterization of soils using a scientific procedure is essential to assess the potential and constraints of a given land for agricultural purposes. The knowledge of soil limitations arising from land evaluation reports aims to provide practical approaches to ameliorating such limitations before or during the cropping period. This study was conducted to characterize selected soils in Madagali Local Government Area based on fertility capability classification. A reconnaissance soil survey was conducted in the study area. Ten auger point soil samples from each ward were randomly collected at depths of 0-20cm and 20-50cm using a digger, hoe, spade, and polyethylene bag. For each surface and sub-surface, ten samples were collected, making twenty samples representative of each ward. The twenty auger points collected from each ward were taken to the laboratory for analysis. Based on the laboratory results of selected soil properties, the fertility capability classification system classified the soils of Madagali Local Government into one FCC class (LLaedmk) for Hymbula, Gulak, Duhu, Kirchinga, and Palam. The fertility capability classification (FCC) revealed that all the soils in the study area were facing major constraints such as soil moisture stress (d), low organic matter (m), aluminium saturation (a), and low nutrient reserve (k). However, in the studied area, it is necessary to add potassium fertilizers or organic amendments with a significant K content, irrigate for dry-season farming, and add lime to overcome aluminium toxicity.