Volume 35, Issue 2 (September)

Articles in this Issue

16 articles
1
Research Article DOI: 10.67042/njss.2026.5a3kxmow

Digital Soil Mapping of Soil Taxonomic Classes: Prospects and Challenges for Machine Learning Integration in Nigeria

Yasin Agono Awwal*, Lemuel Musa Maniyunda, Sulaiman Lawan Ya'u, Muhammad Isma'il

Reliable spatially explicit soil information is important for land-use planning, agricultural management, and food-security planning in Nigeria. Digital soil mapping (DSM), which combines soil observations with environmental covariates through spatial prediction functions, provides an opportunity to complement and progressively update existing soil information. This review examines the prospects a...

Sep, 2026 pp. 1 - 11 106 views 35 downloads
2
Research Article DOI: 10.67042/njss.2026.l8m0mlve

Spatial Multi-Criteria Evaluation of Land Suitability for Rainfed Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) Production in Kambriwa, Kaugama LGA of Jigawa State, Nigeria

Alkasim Abdulkadir*, Magaji M. J, Abdulrahman B. L., Salihu Ahmad Pantami

Improving cowpea productivity in the semi-arid Sudan Savanna requires spatially explicit information on land resources to support agricultural planning and soil management. This study evaluated the suitability of land for rainfed cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) production in Kambriwa, Kaugama Local Government Area, Jigawa State, Nigeria, using a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based Mult...

Sep, 2026 pp. 12 - 24 117 views 54 downloads
3
Research Article DOI: 10.67042/njss.2026.fs915xui

Assessment of the Variations of some Weather Parameters within the five Regions of The Gambia

Michael Olojugba*, Jerreh Camara

The study and forecast of climatic phenomena have progressed over time, but the immense knowledge and information gathered has aided in comprehending and anticipating weather changes and their effects on crop production. The objective was to evaluate weather parameters in the five regions of The Gambia from 2015 to 2024, outline the factors that influence their variations, and assess their impact ...

Sep, 2026 pp. 25 - 36 66 views 21 downloads
4
Research Article DOI: 10.67042/njss.2026.5ua6ogv0

Soil Physical Properties under Organic and Conventional Farming Systems in a Humid Tropical Environment

Adekunle Temidayo ATTA*, Raymond Alex EKEMUBE

Soil physical degradation remains a major constraint to sustainable agricultural productivity in humid tropical regions, where intensive conventional farming practices often accelerate soil compaction and structural decline. Organic farming has been proposed as an alternative management system capable of improving soil physical quality; however, empirical evidence under tropical field conditions r...

Sep, 2026 pp. 37 - 41 61 views 18 downloads
5
Research Article DOI: 10.67042/njss.2026.vy92h2dj

LAND SUITABILITY ASSESSMENT FOR RAINFED CASSAVA (Manihot esculenta Crantz) PRODUCTION IN FARM SETTLEMENT (PAPA ABEDE), OGBOMOSO, OYO STATE, NIGERIA

Olatomiwa Akinola*

Reliable land suitability information strengthens site-specific management decisions for cassava (Manihot spp.), a crop of major economic and food-security importance in Nigeria, yet such site-level assessment has received little attention in the derived savanna zone around Ogbomoso. This study assessed the suitability of soils for rainfed cassava production in twelve soil observation points at Fa...

Sep, 2026 pp. 42 - 50 64 views 13 downloads
6
Research Article

Pedological Characterization and Taxonomic Classification of Schist-Derived Soils in Erinmope-Ekiti, Southwestern Nigeria

Bolaji Martins Fakorede*, Temitope Seun Babalola

Understanding soil variability along landscapes is essential for interpreting pedogenesis, improving soil classification, and supporting sustainable land management. This study characterized and classified schist-derived soils along a toposequence in Erinmope-Ekiti, southwestern Nigeria. Six representative pedons, comprising two at each slope position, were described and sampled by genetic horizon...

Oct, 2026 pp. 51 - 62 16 views 7 downloads
7
Research Article

Metal accumulation and excluder behaviour of five indigenous herbaceous species at the abandoned Enyigba Pb–Zn mine, southeastern Nigeria

Chukwuezi A.C., Ogbonna C.E., Onwuka K.E.*, Otuu, F. C

Artisanal lead-zinc mining at the Enyigba Pb–Zn mine, Ebonyi State, has left tailings soils heavily contaminated with lead and cadmium (soil Pb 1114.5–1125.4 mg kg⁻¹; soil Cd 125.7–135.7 mg kg⁻¹, approximately 13-fold and 157-fold above WHO agricultural-soil limits), but the metal-accumulation behaviour of the herbaceous vegetation naturally colonising the site has not previously been characterise...

Oct, 2026 pp. 63 - 75 16 views 10 downloads
8
Research Article

Comparative Assessment of Qualitative Land Capability Classification and a Parametric Capability Index Along a Toposequence in Southwestern Nigeria

Bolaji Martins Fakorede*, FASINA Abayomi Sunday

Land capability assessment provides a broad framework for identifying the degree and nature of land limitations that govern sustainable agricultural use. This study compared a qualitative USDA-type capability classification with a parametric capability index for six pedons distributed across upper-, middle-, and lower-slope positions along a toposequence in Erinmope-Ekiti, southwestern Nigeria. Tw...

Oct, 2026 pp. 76 - 86 14 views 8 downloads
9
Research Article

ASSESSMENT OF SOIL CONTAMINATION WITH SOIL-TRANSMITTED HELMINTH EGGS AND LARVAE IN SELECTED SECONDARY SCHOOL COMPOUNDS IN CALABAR, CROSS RIVER STATE, NIGERIA

Theophilus Akpe*

Soil transmitted helminth (STH) is a group of parasitic worms with an essential phase of their asexual life cycle in the soil. Their (STH) persistence period in the soil during which their infective stages are protected, preserved and transmitted through contaminated soil, poor sanitation and inadequate hygiene. Evaluation of soil transmitted helminth in Secondary Schools Compounds was carried out...

Oct, 2026 pp. 87 - 92 13 views 8 downloads
10
Research Article

Optimization of Rice Hull Bokashi Application Rates for Improving Soil Properties and Performance of Pepper (Capsicum spp) under Tropical Conditions in Owerri Nigeria

AHUKAEMERE C.M.*, Amarachi Orji, Onwudike S U, Okoli N. H, Ekejiuba C I, Obasi S. N., Osujieke D.N., Nkwopara, U. N., Agim L C, Nnah M

Food insecurity, waste disposal, soil degradation and low agricultural productivity remain major challenges in Nigeria. This work was carried out to evaluate the characteristics of fermented Rice Hull-Bokashi (RH-B) and its effects on soil and pepper (Capsicum spp.) performance. The fermentation process lasted for 12 days, during which, temperature, pH, moisture, and bulk density were monitored. F...

Nov, 2026 pp. 93 - 100 5 views 3 downloads
11
Research Article

Assessment of Soil Quality in Soils of Contrasting Geological Formations in Anambra State, Nigeria

Ginika Mediatrix Ajoagu, Maduabuchi Ekeoma Ukabiala*, Charles Livinus Anija Asadu, Peter Ikemefuna Ezeaku

Soil quality deterioration is one of the major limitations of agricultural production in Anambra State. This study assessed soil characteristics and quality across four geological formations: Ameki (AM), Alluvial Plain (AP), Ogwashi-Asaba (OA), and Imo Shale (IS). Soil samples were collected in triplicate from each geology at three depths (0-30, 30-60 and 60-90 cm), giving a total of 72 samples (3...

Nov, 2026 pp. 101 - 108 16 views 11 downloads
12
Research Article

Soil Productivity Index and Soil Constraints Across Ten Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Benue State, Nigeria.

Blessing Agada*, Saweda Lenis Liverpool- Tasie, Seiglinde Snapp, Obi Martins Eze

This study characterized soil productivity across ten Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Benue State, Nigeria, using 882 soil samples representing coordinate-defined soil profiles at three depth intervals (0–30, 30–60 and 60–90 cm). The cumulative productivity index (PI) values were summarized by profile and LGA. The cumulative PI had a mean of 0.138 and a median of 0.105; 105 of 314 profiles had PI...

Nov, 2026 pp. 109 - 116 10 views 2 downloads
13
Research Article

POTASSIUM ADSORPTION CHARACTERISTICS OF SOILS DERIVED FROM DIFFERENT PARENT MATERIALS IN SOUTHEASTERN NIGERIA.

Nwamuo Lovelyn Okechukwu*, Ukpong Imelda Matthias, Silas Sekerema Ukpabio, Eji Ejor Tangban, Umoh Florence Otobong

ABSTRACT This study investigated potassium (K) adsorption characteristics of soils derived from five contrasting parent materials (alluvium, basement complex, coastal plain sand, sandstone, and shale) at three soil depths (0-20, 20-40, and 40-60 cm) in Southeastern Nigeria. Soil samples were collected from multiple locations across Abia, Imo, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Cross-River States. Three a...

Nov, 2026 pp. 117 - 133 7 views 3 downloads
14
Research Article

Potassium Adsorption Characteristics of Soils under Contrasting Land-Use Systems at the University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria

EMOMU Adams*, ADIGUN Opemipo Blessing, ORHUE Ehi Robert

ABSTRACT Potassium (K) retention in soils is often low and varies with soil and Land-use type due to its high mobility. This study evaluated K adsorption in soils from four land-use types at University of Benin Nigeria, given widespread application of K fertilizers to address K nutrient deficiencies. Auger Soil samples were collected from 0-30 cm soil depth, in three replicates from four land-use ...

Nov, 2026 pp. 134 - 140 17 views 6 downloads
15
Research Article

Organic amendments, soil microbial diversity and extracellular enzyme activity: a critical review with emphasis on tropical and Nigerian soils

Aishat Ayobami Mustapha*, Abdulrahman Bassam Lawan, Musa Anas Sulaiman

Organic amendments are central to restoring degraded agricultural soils, yet their effects on soil microbial communities and the enzymes that drive nutrient cycling are often summarized too simply. This critical review synthesizes evidence from global meta-analyses and from field studies in sub-Saharan Africa, with emphasis on Nigeria, on how compost, animal manures, crop residues, green manures a...

Nov, 2026 pp. 141 - 152 31 views 10 downloads
16
Research Article

Spatial and Seasonal Variation in Irrigation-Water Quality and Soil Macronutrient Status in Selected Fadama Fields along River Chanchaga, Minna, Nigeria

RAYMOND EDERIGBE*, Dada. P.O.O, Bada, B.S, Adewumi. J.K

Proper management of irrigation-water chemistry is important for maintaining soil quality and sustaining vegetable production in peri-urban fadama systems. This study evaluated spatial and seasonal variation in the physicochemical properties of irrigation water along an approximately 20-km corridor of River Chanchaga, Minna, Nigeria, and characterized the macronutrient status of associated cultiva...

Nov, 2026 pp. 153 - 161 6 views 2 downloads
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