Soil Characterization And Land Suitability Evaluation Of Anuka Farmland In Nsukka Local Government Area Of Enugu State, Nigeria

Abstract

The land at Anuka, Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State in Southeastern Nigeria,

under the sub-humid tropical climate was evaluated for maize (Zea mays), cassava (Manihot

esculenta), yam (Dioscorea spp.) and oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) cultivation. Data were

obtained by field study and laboratory analyses. Six pedons were dug and described: two pedons

each for maize and oil palm fields, and one each for yam and cassava fields. These pedons were

dug to represent sampling units. Auger samples were also purposefully collected from the

sampling units at depths 0 - 20cm and 20 - 40cm. This was to investigate the nutrient spread in

the area. Soil samples from the pedogenetic horizons of the pedons were collected after profile

description, processed and analyzed. The pedons were designated P01 = cassava field, P02 and

P03 = maize fields, P04 = yam field, and P05 and P06 = oil palm fields. The textural classes of

the soils included sandy clay loam, sandy loam, sandy clay, loam, clay loam and clay, but the

dominant textural class is sandy clay loam. The overall results showed that the soils are acidic;

the phosphorus content is generally low; organic matter ranged from 0.42 - 4.31 %, decreasing

down the profile depth and is medium (>2.0 %) for epipedons. Exchangeable bases are generally

low: low exchangeable Ca (

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