SOIL FERTILITY ASSESSMENT AND LAND SUITABILITY EVALUATION OF SOME SOIL IN BARKIN LADI PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA
Abstract
ABSTRACT
This study assessed the physical properties and land suitability of soils at Tudun Mazat Farm to determine their potential for cereal and legume cultivation. The objectives focused on evaluating soil physical characteristics, including bulk density, texture, porosity, and infiltration, and subsequently analyzing their influence on crop suitability. Soil samples were collected from ten pits across the farm, and standard laboratory procedures were employed to determine bulk density, particle size distribution, porosity, and infiltration rates. Land suitability was assessed using diagnostic factors such as drainage, soil reaction (pH), texture, and slope, applying recognized criteria for maize, sorghum, groundnut, and cowpea.Results indicated that bulk density ranged from 1.15 to 1.56 g/cm³, while infiltration rates varied between 1.09 and 1.44 cm/hr. Soil texture was predominantly sandy clay loam, with sand, silt, and clay fractions averaging 44.6%, 19.06%, and 33.36%, respectively. Porosity varied between 41% and 53%, reflecting moderate aeration capacity. Land suitability analysis revealed that sorghum was moderately suitable (S2), whereas maize exhibited marginal suitability [S3(a,k)], primarily due to suboptimal nutrient availability and soil workability. Legume assessment showed that both groundnut and cowpea were constrained by marginal nutrient levels (S3), although drainage and slope posed minimal limitations.In conclusion, soils at Tudun Mazat Farm demonstrated adequate physical characteristics to support crop cultivation; however, chemical limitations, particularly nutrient deficiencies, restricted their overall suitability for some crops. It is recommended that soil fertility management practices, including liming, fertilization, and the use of nitrogen-fixing legumes, be employed to enhance productivity and optimize land use for both cereals and legumes under the prevailing soil conditions.
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