EQA (Apr 2023)
Evaluation of soil fertility potentials of Guyuk local government area of Adamawa State, Nigeria
Abstract
This study was conducted to evaluate soil fertility potentials of Guyuk Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Nigeria. Stratified random sampling technique was used for soil sampling. Soil samples were collected from the seven districts (Boibini, Guyuk, Kurnyi, Banjiram, Chikila, Kola and Dumna districts) of the Local government based on variation in soil characteristics observed, Random samples were collected at surface (0 – 20 cm) and subsurface (20 – 50 cm). Ten profile pits were sunk at least one in each district and samples were collected from each horizon for laboratory analysis, Global Positioning System (GPS) was used for exact location and altitude of pedons. The soils were analysed to determine the morphological, physical and chemical properties. Results obtained revealed that soils of the study area averaged at 203m above sea level, soils are moderately deep and generally sandy loam to clay textured with weak to strong sub angular blocky structure. The soils are well drained to moderately drained with high chroma value of 7.5YR and 10YR. Bulk density and porosity of pedons and augered samples averaged at 1.40mg/kg and 47% respectively, chemical properties showed pH was near neutral, organic carbon, total nitrogen and exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) were generally to be low, available phosphorus was generally moderate, total exchangeable bases (TEB), Base saturation, and effective cation exchange capacity (ECEC) were high in soils of all the district of the study area. The soils of Bobini and Guyuk districts area were classified as Alfisols while Kurnyi, Banjiram, Chikila, Kola and Dumna districts are all Vertisols, according to USDA Soil Taxonomy. Three fertility classes were identified which are “S dm”, “C div” and “C divb”. The soil fertility of the study area can be improved and managed through integrated nutrient management system (INM).
Keywords
