Quality Assessment and Suitability Evaluation of Soils under Tuber-based Cropping System in Katsina Ala Local Government Area, Benue State, Nigeria

Crop yields together with economic and social benefits of farming depend in part on land management and soil quality. Soil management and  cropping systems have long-term effects on agronomic and environmental functions. This study aimed at assessing soils under yam-based  cropping systems for quality and suitability so as to enhance sustainable production. The study was carried out in Katsina Ala local government area of Benue state where yam is a major crop. Sixteen modal profile were dug, described for characterization and suitability evaluation. Ten cluster locations were selected and twenty soil samples randomly collected within each cluster. The soils were subjected to laboratory analyses and results subjected descriptive statistics. Suitability of the soils for yam, citrus and groundnut were evaluated using parametric approach and soil quality of the area was assessed using Relative Soil Quality Indices (RSQI). The soils encountered are sandy to silty in nature with some having plinthite at depth. The soils, classified as Alfisol, Entisol and Inceptisol are moderately (S2) to highly suitable S1) for the three crops and have moderate to high quality for crop production with percentage soil quality index ranging from 60. 37 to 74.31 %. Soils of the study site are of good quality and are suitable for production of yam, citrus and groundnut. However, because yam is a great feeder and tropical soils are fragile making them prone todegradation, there is need for maintenance of soil fertility through organic matter management for sustainable use. Keywords: soil quality, suitability, yam, cropping systems, soil managemen

Effect of land use on some soil chemical properties and P fractions in south-western Nigeria

Land use directly or indirectly affects the soil chemical properties and phosphorus fractions. Two different land use types were studied. Soil chemical analysis and phosphorus fractionation of the soils was then done and the results were highly significant (p<0.001). Total C, N and P were low under the arable land use as compared to the tree crop while exchangeable Ca and Mg was higher under the arable land use than in the tree crop farmland. Micronutrients were generally low irrespective of the land use. The loosely bound P i.e. saloid bound P was more under arable farmland as compared to the tree crop farmland while there was more residual P in the tree crop farmland than the arable farmland. A positive relationship existed between the soil chemical properties and P fractions under the arable land use but a negative relationship was observed between the soil chemical properties and P fractions under the tree crop land use. In other words, cultivation as practiced in on arable lands significantly increased the labile P fractions as evident in increase in the loosely bound P and the secondary nutrients while P tends to be bound i.e. residual P in soils cropped with trees and rich in the macronutrients. . Although, irrespective of the land use type,an equilibrium reaction existed between the readily and non-readily available P fractionsin order to increase P in soils and make the essential macronutrients available, it is recommended that the land be cultivated.Keywords: Soil phosphorus, P fractions, soil chemical parameters, arable land use, tree crop land us

Status of integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) in southwestern Nigeria

Published online: 8 March 2017The soils of South western Nigeria are rapidly degrading due to nutrient mining, soil loss, inappropriate land use, low inherent soil fertility coupled with adverse effects of climate change. These have resulted to persistent low yields and farmers’ poverty. The current farming systems have failed to improve continuous decline in crop production. There is need for integrated approach that involves mineral fertilizer, organic resources, and improved crop varieties with sound agronomic practices if the region will be able to feed its population of over 35 million people. Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM) is an all-encompassing resource management technique that embraces the use of good planting materials, with appropriate organic and/or inorganic fertilizer application or their integrated use. It also entails adapting the various combinations of the ISFM components to local conditions which by implication means site specific management. There is lack of coordinated information about the components of ISFM being used in SWN and most stakeholders have not appreciated the importance of integrated approach. This paper is therefore put forward to review the status of Integrated Soil Fertility Management in South western Nigeria in order to identify knowledge gap for sustainable crop production in the region