Evaluation of the Suitability of Alfisol of Derived Savanna for Rice Production in Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

The combination of quantitative and qualitative studies in land evaluation is important for decision making on the adoption of specific land utilization type. This study evaluates the suitability of two locations for rice production in an alfisol of derived savanna, Ikole-Ekiti, Southwestern Nigeria. Two locations; Ikole - Ijesa-Isu road (K1) and Ikole - Osin road (K2) were selected and a profile was dug in each of the site, described according to the standard and sampled for laboratory analysis of soil physic-chemical properties. Field experiment was conducted in 2022 cropping session to evaluate the performance of rice in the two locations. The locations were considered as the treatment and rice was planted in the representative portion of each of the site in four replicates. The experiment was a randomized completely block design. Recommended cultural practices for rice in the derived savannah zone of Nigeria were followed. Yield data were collected in tons per hectare and analyzed with T-test at 5% probability level. Results obtained revealed that the soils pH ranged from 5.5 to 6.2, organic carbon is from 0.4 to 5.01% and total nitrogen from 0.08 to 0.19%. K1 had actual index of suitability of 34.88 therefore rated marginally suitable while K2 was 19.37 for rice. The potential index of suitability of K1 was 80 highly suitable and K2 was 60 moderately suitable. Highest rice yield of 1.03 t ha-1 was obtained in K1. K1 was recommended as preferred location for rice cultivation in the study area. Suitability evaluation should be followed by qualitative experiment in order to make recommendations that are adoptable for farmers.