Soil suitability evaluation of Babayau flood plain for selected arable crop cultivation in Ardo-kola, Taraba State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study's objective was to characterize the soils and carry out suitability evaluation of floodplain soils in Ardo-Kola, Taraba State. Six (6) profile pits were dug from two physiographic units and the most predominant land use (woodland area and arable land area). Three (3) profile pits were dug on each of the identified units using standard dimension. Soil morphological results indicated that the soils were sub-angular blocky, strong to fine structure, very sticky, hard when dry and firm when moist in the woodland area. Colour ranged from pale brown 10YR (6/3) to dark greyish brown 10YR (4/2). Soils in the arable land area were mostly very sticky, firm when moist and hard when dried. The colour ranged from light yellowish-brown 10YR (6/4) to dark grey 10YR (4/1). Results of particle size distribution were sandy loamy and loamy sand across the pedons. Bulk density values ranged from 1.50 to 1.67gm/cm3, and total porosity ranged from 37 to 43% respectively. The soils were generally moderately acidic to slightly acidic, organic carbon and total nitrogen was low (<2% and <0.15%), calcium and magnesium were rated medium (2-5cmol/kg and 0.3-1.0cmol/kg) respectively. Base saturation values were rated medium (50-80%) to high (>80%) across the pedons. Soil suitability result for the woodland area showed overall suitability for maize in pedon BYF1 was S3w (marginally suitable) with limitation in nutrient availability and suitable (S1) in pedon BYF5. Arable land area was also marginally suitable (S3) with limitation in oxygen availability except for pedon BYF4, which was not suitable (N) for maize cultivation. Woodland area was moderately suitable (S2) and suitable (S1) for the arable land area with limitation in texture except for pedon BYF 3 with limitation in oxygen availability. Rice production is encouraged in the arable land area while maize in the woodland area using fertilizers and organic materials to ameliorate low fertility limitations observed in the study area.