Properties and sustainable management of the inland wetland soils for efficient rice production in Southern Guinea Savanna zone of Nigeria

Abstract

ABSTRACT A pedological study was carried out on some inland wetland soils of Obukiyo, Oju Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria to identify their properties and suggest sustainable management practices for the soils. The grid method of soil survey was employed in the field to investigate the morphological and physicochemical properties of the soils. Four soil units were identified on the field based on soil colour, texture, structure, surface properties, topography and water level. Two pits were sunk in each soil unit, described and sampled for laboratory analysis. The soil units were deep (160cm to 190cm) and somewhat well to very poorly drained. The soils were fine texture and slightly to moderately acid and slightly alkaline in reaction (pH 4.1-7.8). The percentage sand fraction ranged between 35.12% and 79.75%, silt, 0.00% and 36.56% and clay 19.76% and 58.46%. They had low to moderate organic carbon (0.30%-2.25%), total N (0.01%-0.42%) available P (213 mg/kg-6.515mgkg-1), total exchangeable bases (3.61cmolkg– 8.26cmolkg), E.A (0.62cmolkg-1 – 3.63cmolkg-1) CEC (3.75cmolkg-1 8.34cmolkg-1), ECEC (5.70cmolkg-1-10.33cmolkg-1) and high base saturation of 53% to 93%. Based on the physicochemical properties, management practices such as; minimal tillage, application of organic and inorganic fertilizers, application of lime to reduce acidity in unit 1 and integrated planting time management with water control were recommended for units II, III and IV.