Suitability Assessment of Soils of Selected Areas of Benue State, Nigeria, for Maize Production and their Management Implications

Abstract

Suitability assessment of soils of selected local government areas (LGAs) of Benue State, Nigeria was carried out to determine the soil types, fertility status and suitability level for maize cultivation. The study locations were Obagaji, Agatu LGA; Igumale, Ado LGA; Ugbokpo, Apa LGA; Idekpa, Ohimini LGA; Orokam, Ogbadibo LGA and Adoka, Otukpo LGA. Soil samples (representative of the entire fields) collected from farmer’s cultivated maize fields and adjacent non- cultivated fields in each of the study location were analyzed for both soil physical and chemical properties using standard soil analytical procedures. The soil types and degradation status of the soils were assessed on the basis of the results of the soil properties using standard indicators and criteria for land degradation assessment by Food and Agriculture Organization. Suitability ratings of the soils were determined using soil type, non-parametric (conventional) and parametric methods. Results indicated that soils of Adoka, Idekpa and Obagaji were highly degraded with respect to bulk density. The soils of all locations were very highly degraded with respect to phosphorus. Fertilization and incorporation of organic manure will be required for optimum production of maize on the soils investigated. For maize production in Ugbokpo, Igumale and Orokam, 30 Kg N, 60 Kg P₂O₅ and 30 Kg K₂O per hectare is recommended while for Obagaji, Adoka and Idekpa, 30 Kg N, 60 Kg P₂O₅, and 60 Kg K₂O per hectare is recommended.