Land Suitability Evaluation for Maize Production Among the Soils of Hyuku in Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria

Abstract

Suitability evaluation of soils of Hyuku in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State, Nigeria was carried out with the view to characterize and evaluate the soils for its suitability for maize production. Two soil units were identified based on their physical, chemical and morphological features using grid method of soil survey. Two profile pits were sunk in each unit, making a total of four pits in all. The soils were deep (80 to 115 cm), well drained with sandy loam surface textures and sandy loam to clay loam subsurface textured. The soil reaction was moderately acidic (5.65 to 6.75) with high base saturation (95.07 to 96.40 %), low organic carbon (0.13 to 0.34 %), low nitrogen (0.17 to 0.67 %), and moderate to low available phosphorus (2.77 to 5.52 ppm). The soil characteristics were matched with the requirement of maize and the overall suitability rating of the soils were obtained using limitation method. Units I and II soils were rated as moderately suitable (S2) for maize production.

Keywords

• land suitability
• evaluation
• maize production
• soil