Soil survey and land capability evaluation for sustainable crop production in Abocho, Dekina local government area of Kogi state

Abstract

A survey of soils of Abocho, Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, was conducted to characterize, classify and assess the potentials of the soils for sustainable crop production. The area was reconnoitered and three representative profile pits were dug and described according to international procedures and standard methods. Soil samples were analyzed for their physical and chemical properties and the land was assessed for its capability to produce commonly cultivated crops. Results revealed well-drained and deep soils. Texture showed loamy sand overlying sandy loam except few portions with loamy sand throughout the profile depth. Soils were very strongly - strongly acid (4.5-5.5) with very low (subsurface) to moderate (surface) organic carbon (5.25-14.21gkg-1). Available phosphorous was moderate (8.93-16.42 mgkg-1). There were generally low exchangeable bases and cations exchange capacity (CEC) values ranging from 2.67 to 6.05 cmolkg1. Typic Psammustepts and Typic Kandiustalfs were identified, based on the USDA soil Taxonomy and were correlated as Fluvisols and Lixisols respectively in World Reference Base. Land capability classification rated 67 % of the land area moderate (III) for arable crop production and 33 % for non-arable (V) with soil reaction and high sand fraction as constraints. Since the soils were low in fertility and highly acidic, the judicious use of lime and full complements of organic manure and fertilizers are recommended.