Evaluation of agricultural potential of degraded ultisols in the humid ecological zone of Edo state, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Many agricultural programs in a different part of Southern Nigeria and indeed Edo State have failed due to a lack of understanding of the soil environment within which these programs are executed. Objectives: This study was designed to evaluate the agricultural potentials of degraded Ultisols in the humid ecological zone of Edo State. Objectives were set to determine the characteristics of the soil, suggest alternative land use(s), and advise farmers on the best management options for the study area. Methods: A representative profile was dug at the University of Benin Agriculture farm and Soil samples were collected from the profile horizons. The morphology, physical and chemical properties of the soil were evaluated and analyzed using standard procedures. Results: The result showed that the soil was generally sandy loam in texture but severely weathered. Analysis of bulk density revealed that the soil could hold and sustain crops for their growth and development. The Soil acidity was high as it ranged from pH 5.3 (subsoil) to 5.7 (topsoil). Furthermore, the exchangeable cations (Na, Mg, Ca, and K) showed no significant variation between the topsoil (0-18cm) and subsoil (18-145cm); and the base saturation was high (84.96-90.00%). Correlation analysis employed to show the relationship between the physical and chemical parameters of the soil revealed that Six (6) soil properties were positively significant while two(2) were negatively significant. Conclusions: The soil within the study area needs to be improved to enhance its productivity and harness its full potential to support food production. Therefore the study recommends sound agronomic practices especially erosion control measures and further detailed studies to examine soil quality in specific periods for sustainable land use.

Keywords: Morphology, Ecological zone, Utisols, Soil acidity, Agriculture