Research Article

Characterization, Classification and Land Suitability Evaluation of Soils Derived from Diverse Parent Materials in Central Cross River State of Nigeria for Arable Cropping

Nsor M.E.1*, Akamigbo, F.O.R.
1 Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State
* Corresponding author: nsorme@soilsjournalnigeria.com
Published: Apr, 2015
DOI: 10.67042/njss.2015.ok2c12o5
Pages: 158-172
Views: 576
Downloads: 771

Abstract

The Physico-chemical characterization of soils derived from five parent materials in the humid tropics of South Southern Nigeria was studied. Soil properties such as texture, drainage, effective soil depth, nutrients status and reserves were employed for site suitability evaluation for arable cropping (cassava, maize and groundnut). Suitability classifications were arrived at by ‘matching’ the land qualities with the requirements of the land utilization type (arable cropping). The results indicate that soils of mapping unit (CRCI) derived from alluvium were moderately suitable (S2) for arable cropping, soils of basalt origin (CRC2) were marginally suitable (S3) for arable cropping, soils of sandstone-shale (CRC3) were moderately suitable (S2) for arable cropping, soils of granite origin (CRC4) and soils of gneiss origin (CRC5) were permanently not suitable (N2) for arable cropping on account of the permanent limitation of steep slopes (7-18%) and rock outcrops (10-70%) of the total surface. The soils were classified into three orders of the USDA Soil Taxonomy as Alfisols (soils derived from basalt, sandstone-shale, granite and gneiss), Ultisols (soils of granite origin) and inceptisols (soils of alluvium). These classifications were appropriately correlated with the FAO/UNESCO soil map of the world reference base (WRB) legend. Limitations observed in the study area included low pH, low nutrient status, steep slopes and gravely/rocky surface soils.

Keywords

characterization classification landsuitability arable cropping.

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How to Cite

M.E., N., & F.O.R., A. (2015). Characterization, Classification and Land Suitability Evaluation of Soils Derived from Diverse Parent Materials in Central Cross River State of Nigeria for Arable Cropping. Nigerian Journal of Soil Science, 25(1), 158-172. https://doi.org/10.67042/njss.2015.ok2c12o5

N. M.E., and A. F.O.R., "Characterization, Classification and Land Suitability Evaluation of Soils Derived from Diverse Parent Materials in Central Cross River State of Nigeria for Arable Cropping," Nigerian Journal of Soil Science, vol. 25, no. 1, pp. 158-172, April 2015. doi: 10.67042/njss.2015.ok2c12o5

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