Soil suitability evaluation for rain-fed maize production at Gabari District Zaria Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

The need to generate adequate information for optimal and sustainable exploitation of the soils of Gabari District Zaria is imperative. The FAO land suitability evaluation was used to evaluate the soils for rain-fed maize cultivation. The total land area surveyed was 70 ha. Three soil units was mapped and designated as GBI 12.3 ha, GBII 38.8 ha and GBIII 18.9 ha. Generally, the surface texture was loam. The soil reactions were slightly acidic to neutral, organic carbon, available phosphorus and total nitrogen was rated low. The CEC (NH₄OAc) were medium to high and Base saturation was rated medium while EC and ESP were low. Generally, there were no significant differences in the physical and chemical properties within the three mapping units. Soil mapping units GBI and GBIII were marginally suitable (S3) while GBII was currently not suitable (N1) for maize production due to limitation imposed by soil chemical properties and slope. With proper soil fertility management, the potentials of these soils can be increased to moderately suitable (S2) for rain-fed maize and other arable crops if recommended fertilization and uses of organic manure to improve the soils physical and chemical constraints as well as construction of contour ploughing in unit GBII to reduce the rate of erosion.

Keywords: Soil, Suitability Evaluation, Agricultural potential, Gabari District