DETAILED PEDOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF DALORI SOILS, UNIVERSITY OF MAIDUGURI FARMLAND, SUDAN SAVANNA, NIGERIA

This study was conducted in 2023 at the University of Maiduguri farmland, Dalori, Konduga Local Government Area, Borno State, Northeastern Nigeria (latitudes 11°46.758′–11°47.116′ N, longitudes 13°12.744′–13°13.188′ E) to characterize the soils of the area. Morphological and physico-chemical properties of twenty-seven (27) soil samples were analyzed from identified genetic horizons of six (6) pedons within one (1) soil mapping unit (DL), which was subdivided into three phases (DL I, DL II, DL III). The soils were very deep, well-drained, with textures ranging from sandy loam to sandy clay loam, and sub-angular blocky structure in most phases. Soil color varied from dark brown to dull orange, with clear horizon differentiation between the Ap and B horizons. Bulk density was low (0.87–1.25 g/cm³), increasing irregularly with depth, while total porosity decreased down the profile. Soil reaction ranged from strongly acidic to moderately alkaline (pH 5.43–8.25). Exchangeable bases were low to high (Ca²⁺: 1.20–5.40, Mg²⁺: 0.80–4.00, K⁺: 0.01–0.74, Na⁺: 0.04–0.44 cmol/kg), occurring in the order Mg²⁺ > Ca²⁺ > Na⁺ > K⁺, indicating moderate nutrient status. Base saturation was high (77.53–94.72%). Organic carbon (2.00–6.20 g/kg), total nitrogen (0.70–1.70 g/kg), and available phosphorus (7.35–17.15 mg/kg) were generally low to medium. Electrical conductivity was low (0.04–0.55 dS/m), classifying the soils as non-saline. Overall, fertility status was constrained by low organic matter, nitrogen, and phosphorus. Soil productivity could be improved through incorporation of crop residues and farmyard manure, reduced tillage, contour ridging, and application of recommended fertilizer rates for sustainable crop production.