Abstract
The study was carried out to analyze soils from cassava farms in floodplain terrain of the River Benue. Cassava is the most extensively cultivated crop in Benue State. Soil samples were collected randomly from cassava farms owned by members of farming cooperative societies in Makurdi, Tarka, and Gboko Local Government Areas. These samples were analysed for physical and chemical properties. The pH was slightly acidic with a mean of 5.7 for surface soils and 5.7 for subsurface soils. The organic carbon content had a mean of 0.7% for surface soils and a mean of 0.72% for subsurface soils. The total percentage nitrogen had a mean of 0.05% for surface soils and 0.05% for subsurface soils. Available phosphorus had a mean of 8.48 mg kg-1 for surface soils, while subsurface soils had a mean of 5.66 mg kg-1. The base saturation percentage was 86.58% for surface soils and a mean value of 86.55% for subsurface soils. The values of micro-nutrients were all below tolerable limits. The study recommends the effective application of inorganic fertilizers such as NPK to optimize crop production. Governments should support farmers with credit facilities, agricultural laboratory services, and effective extension services. Key words: Soil assessment, soil nutrients, organic carbon, phosphorus, nitrogen, micro-nutrients, River Benue, Nigeria.
Highlights
Cassava is an important source of calories for millions of people in Latin America, Asia, and Africa
It is necessary to analyse floodplain soils used for crop cultivation including cassava which has become a major cultivated crop in Benue State and Nigeria
The majority tribes are Tiv and Idoma. These Local Government Areas are located within the floodplains of the Lower River Benue Basin between Latitudes 7° 13’N and 8° 00’N and Longitudes 8°00’E and 9°00’E
Summary
Cassava is an important source of calories for millions of people in Latin America, Asia, and Africa. According to an agricultural investment document on Benue State (Benue State, 2013), an expanse of 276, 030 hectares of cultivated cassava produced 3, 643, 660 metric tons in 2009 and 294, 650 hectares produced 3, 597, 280 metric tons in 2012 Other crops such as yams, groundnut, rice and maize were extensively cultivated during the same period (Tables 1 and 2). The preponderance of subsistence farmers in Benue State has resulted in the application of inefficient soil enhancement methods to increase productivity Farm inputs such as inorganic fertilizer (NPK), herbicides and pesticides have been used over the years without proper feasibility and monitoring which could have adverse effects on floodplain ecosystems and human consumption (Uwah et al, 2007). It is necessary to analyse floodplain soils used for crop cultivation including cassava which has become a major cultivated crop in Benue State and Nigeria. Further analysis and appropriate soil management measures can be recommended
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