Morphological and Physical Properties of Soils on Basement Complex in Northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria

Soils developed on four basement complexes, namely Older Granites (OG), Quartzites (QZ), Mica Schists (MS) and Migmatite Gneiss (MG) were studied on crest position in Northern Guinea Savanna of Kaduna State, Nigeria with a view to examine their morphological and physical properties and suggest management options. The results indicated that parent materials significantly influenced soil depth, structures, sand subfractions, silt clay ratio, available water content of the soils. The soils were generally deep to very deep (135 – 190cm), with restriction due to parent materials and plinthite. Soil surface was sandy loam and was attributed to erosion and eluviation of clay resulting in textural variation with soil depth. The soils were mostly sub- angular blocky with platy structure dominating mica schist subsoils. Sand dominated particle size fraction of the soils and their sub fractions were significantly influenced by parent materials and pedogenic processes. Weathering intensity of the soils significantly increased in order of MS < OG < QZ < MG. Parent materials and clay content significantly varied available water content of the soils in order of MS > MG > OG > QZ. Contour ridges, cover cropping, incorporation of crop residues with farm yard manure and use of manually operated or animal powered equipment for traction on farm were management options suggested to improve soil constraints identified for sustainable use of the soils.