Land Assessment for Cocoa Cultivation in Opeji Village, Odeda Local Government Area, Ogun State

The need to increase cocoa production due to its relevance to Nigeria’s economy in the last few years necessitated this study. The study was carried out to assess the soils suitability and fertility evaluation for cocoa production. 1 soil profile was established and described; and bulked samples taken at a depth of 0-20cm and 20-40cm depth. Collected soil samples were analyzed and results showed that morphologically, the soil is shallow, characterized with stones, iron concretions. Physical properties indicated that sand dominated the particle size. Chemical properties of the topsoils for fertility evaluation ranged accordingly: pH (6.56 - 6.73), OC (0.30 -0.94%), N (0.02 - 0.07%), Available P (1.63 - 1.73 mg/kg), K (0.28 - 0.31 cmol/kg), Ca (2.50 - 2.59 cmol/kg), Mg (0.93 – 1.03 cmol/kg), Mn (12.56 – 21.05 mg/kg), Fe (2.07 – 3.86 mg/kg), Cu (0.09 - 0.18 mg/kg) and Zn (1.88 - 4.36 mg/kg). Generally, the soils lacked sufficient quantities of nutrients needed for sustainable cocoa production. The soils are presently marginally suitable for cocoa production due to its physical condition (shallow depth and high gravel contents) and very low organic matter content. Therefore, the area was recommended not to be used for economic production of cocoa except proper irrigation and fertility management would be done.