An Evaluation of the Productivity of Alagba Series for Upland Crops Production in the Humid Agro Ecological Zone Of Nigeria

Abstract

Studies were carried out on Alagba series in the humid agro ecolocological zone of Nigeria to evaluate their productivity on the basis of their physicochemical properties. Soil constraints inherent in the soils which negatively impact on their productivity were scientifically identified. Thereafter, appropriate measures to ameliorate the constraints were proffered in order to enhance the productivity of the soils. Among the constraints identified were soil acidification, low effective cation exchange capacity and susceptibility to erosion due to the clayey texture throughout the profile. This kind of texture not only made the soils less productive for deep rooted crops but also caused difficulties in harvesting. Liming and the use of acid-tolerant species were appropriate measures to ameliorate the acidity constraints, while incorporation of organic materials into the soils in combination with liming were the appropriate measures to enhance the effective cation exchange capacity. Erosion control and maintenance of surface cover were to be given high priority, while tillage should be limited to only when soil was drier than the plastic limit. Soil organic carbon should be maintained or increased due to its role in many important soil properties that have a bearing on soil productivity.

Keywords: Productivity, inherent soil constraints, Alagba Series, humid agroecological zone, Nigeria