Soil pH Variability in Mangu, Bokkos and Pankshin Local Government Areas of Plateau State

Abstract

This paper investigates soil pH variability in three local government areas (LGAs) in Plateau State, Nigeria: Bokkos, Mangu, and Pankshin. Soil pH is a crucial factor influencing soil biogeochemical properties, which in turn affect crop yield, soil nutrient levels, and microbial activity. The study utilized Stratified Random Sampling to collect soil samples, and employed IDW (Inverse Distance Weighted) interpolation for analysis. The results revealed a pH range of 4.5 to 7.07, categorized into five classes: very strongly acidic (4.5 - 5.05), strongly acidic (5.05 - 5.35), moderately acidic (5.35 - 5.58), slightly acidic (5.58 - 5.83), and neutral (5.83 - 7.07). Slightly acidic and moderately acidic soils were predominant across the entire study area, covering 1643.96 Km² and 1444.41 Km² respectively. Noteworthy variations in pH were observed between the LGAs, with Bokkos and Mangu exhibiting more acidic soils, while Pankshin had soils tending towards neutrality. These variations were attributed to the local topography and geology. The pH variations also play a significant role in determining suitable crops for cultivation. Bokkos and Mangu are conducive for extensive farming of maize and Irish potatoes, while Pankshin is better suited for millet and sorghum cultivation. Given the global implications of events like the Russia-Ukrainian war on food supply, the study recommends that relevant government agencies identify areas with similar soil characteristics and invest in extensive cultivation of crops well-suited to those soils. This could contribute significantly to enhancing food security on a global scale]