Soil suitability evaluation for maize in Lere local government area of Kaduna State Nigeria

Abstract

The soils of Lere (Saminaka) in Kaduna state, Northern Guinea Savanna climatic zone was evaluated for suitability of maize (Zea mays) cultivation, employing various methods. Data were obtained through field study and laboratory analyses. Three soil Units were delineated, and one profile was sunk in each of the soil units. The profiles were described according to USDA soil survey manual, and soil samples were collected from each pedogenetic horizon, stored in nylon bag properly levelled. The soil samples were processed and analyzed using standard laboratory procedures. The soil Units were designated as SM1, SM2, and SM3. The textural class of the surface soils are sandy loam to loam. The result shows that soils pH is strongly to moderately acidic (5.5 – 5.8); soil fertility was generally low with evidence of low organic carbon (0.59 – 0.66%), total nitrogen (0.35 – 0.70%) and CEC (4.1 – 5.3 cmolkg-1), while potassium (0.12 – 0.31 cmolkg-1) and phosphorus (12.6 – 25.3 mg kg-1 ). The results also showed that climate, topography (slope), soil depth, and texture and fertility are optimum for maize production, with drainage and base saturation as the major limiting factors, with the aggregate of not-suitable (Nfw) in all the soil units based simple limitation method. By employing other methods (Storie and Khiddir square root), the same results were obtained, with little improvement in the Square root method (Rabiah) as the classes change from N or N1 to S3. Incorporating soils with organic materials and encouraging subsurface drainage will improve maize production.