LAND SUITABILITY ASSESSMENT FOR SELECTED CROPS ACROSS A TOPOGRAPHIC LANDSCAPE AT MAISAMARI-MAYO SELBE IN SARDAUNA/GASHAKA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS OF TARABA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

To reduce the human influence on natural resources and to identify an appropriate land use, it is essential to carry out scientific land evaluations. Such kind of analysis allows identifying the main limiting factors for the agricultural production and enables decision makers to develop crop managements able to increase the land productivity. Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim of assessing the suitability of soils across a landscape at Maisamari-Mayo Selbe in Sardauna/Gashaka Local Government Areas of Taraba State, for the production of Maize, Rice, Sugarcane and Mango. Three Profile pits each were sunk at the identified physiographic positions (Crest, Upper slope, Lower slope and Foot Mountain). The soils were described for their physico-chemical properties. All soil samples collected were analysed using standard Laboratory procedures. The results revealed that the soil texture predominantly varied from Sandy loam (SL) to Loamy sand (LS) and soil pH ranged from 5.37 to 6.42 (slightly acidic in reaction), while soil fertility indicators were generally rated as low. Based on the climatic and soil qualities, the soils of the study areas were classified into various Land Suitability classes. Soil units at the crest and foot mountain were found to be moderately (S2) and marginally (S3) suitable, respectively, for the production of maize, rice and mango, while soil units at the upper and lower slope positions were only found to be marginally (S3) and moderately suitable (S2), respectively, for mango production, due to certain non-permanent constraints that can be corrected. Further, all the soil units were generally classified as non-suitable (N) for sugarcane production. Sustainable management of the soil units would require efficient soil management systems through effective drainage, organic matter addition and guided inorganic fertilizer use.