Research Article

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

Olasoji Hannah Olufemi1*, Ogunlade M O2, Asowata A F2, Olasoji D J2
1 Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, Ibadan
2 Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, Ibadan, P.M.B. 5244.
* Corresponding author: feminiyi10@gmail.com
Published: Apr, 2026
DOI: 10.67042/njss.2026.99k6gy9t
Pages: 191 - 201
Views: 192
Downloads: 104

Abstract

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.

Keywords

Cocoa cultivation soil management fertilizer recommendation Ogun State

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How to Cite

Olufemi, O. H., O, O. M., F, A. A., & J, O. D. (2026). Land Assessment for Cocoa Cultivation in Opeji Village, Odeda Local Government Area, Ogun State. Nigerian Journal of Soil Science, 35(1), 191 - 201. https://doi.org/10.67042/njss.2026.99k6gy9t

O. H. Olufemi, O. M. O, A. A. F, and O. D. J, "Land Assessment for Cocoa Cultivation in Opeji Village, Odeda Local Government Area, Ogun State," Nigerian Journal of Soil Science, vol. 35, no. 1, pp. 191 - 201, April 2026. doi: 10.67042/njss.2026.99k6gy9t

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