Mapping and classification of a 100 hectare land at uzanu community, Edo state, Nigeria.

Abstract

This study was carried out at Uzanu Community in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State to identify some of the major soils of the project area, through a soil mapping process. The methodology involved mapping of the soils of a 100 hectare land using the rigid grid soil survey method at a detailed scale. Four mapping units were delineated from the ten transects of 100 m apart and 100 m interval examination points along transects which gave a total of 84 auger points. Four representative pedons were sunk, described and sampled. Soil samples were analyzed using standard methods. Soils were classified according to USDA soil taxonomy System of Soil Classification. Series classification was locally defined using guidelines provided by Smyth and Montgomery. The results showed that Pedon 1 representing a mapping unit with area coverage of 14.2 hectares or 14.2 % of the entire research area was classified as Loamy Isohyperthermic Typic Plinthudult and locally as Origo series. The soils of mapping unit two, covering an area of 13.2 hectares or 13.2 % were classified as Loamy Isohyperthermic Ruptic-Ultic-Dystrudept and locally as Origo series. Pedon three soils, covering an area of 38 hectares or 38 % were classified as Loamy Isohyperthermic Typic Plinthudult and locally as Origo series while the soils of mapping unit four represented by pedon four, covering an area of 34.7 hectares or 34.7 % were classified as Coarse Loamy Isohyperthermic Ruptic-Ultic-Dystrudept and locally as Ekiti series.