Research Article

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

MANIYUNDA L.M.1*, Bashiru Ademola Raji2, Odunze Azubuike Chidowe3, MALGWI W.B.4
1 Department of Agricultural Engineering, Kaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna, Nigeria.
2 Department of Forest Resources Management, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ilorin, Ilorin.
3 Department of Soil Science/IAR, Faculty of Agriculture, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
4 Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.
* Corresponding author: maniyundalm@soilsjournalnigeria.com
Published: Apr, 2014
DOI: 10.67042/njss.2014.a5x3j2p3
Pages: 37-51
Views: 534
Downloads: 721

Abstract

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 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.

Keywords

basement complex rock morphological and physical properties soil management

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How to Cite

L.M., M., Raji, B. A., Chidowe, O. A., & W.B., M. (2014). Morphological and Physical Properties of Soils on Basement Complex in Northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Soil Science, 24(1), 37-51. https://doi.org/10.67042/njss.2014.a5x3j2p3

M. L.M., B. A. Raji, O. A. Chidowe, and M. W.B., "Morphological and Physical Properties of Soils on Basement Complex in Northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria," Nigerian Journal of Soil Science, vol. 24, no. 1, pp. 37-51, April 2014. doi: 10.67042/njss.2014.a5x3j2p3

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