Suitability of soils of the university of Nigeria, Nsukka for the establishment of earthen fish ponds

Abstract

The soils of the University of Nigeria Nsukka – Uvuru series (Tropeptic Haplustox/Plinthic Ferralsol), Nkpologu series (Typic Paleustult/Ferric Acrisol), and Nsukka Series (Typic Paleustult or Arenic Paleustult/Ferric Acrisol) – have been evaluated for their suitability for the establishment of earthen fishponds lacking in the place. The Uvuru series is unsuitable due to high slope gradient (> 12%) and stoniness (about 68% by weight). The Nsukka series is also unsuitable due to sandiness (about 90% sand down to the depth of about 70 cm). The Nkpologu series of valley bottom, plain and gentle slopes (0-6%) are suitable due to favorable topography, moderately heavy soil textures (sandy clay loam to sandy loam at the topsoil, and sandy clay at the subsoil), and relative soil fertility (with average topsoil % base sat. on the basis of ECEC of 45.08% and O.M. content of 1.32% as against 43.12% and 0.38% respectively for Nsukka series). However, the high variability of the Nkpologu series especially at the topsoil where most characteristics have Coefficient of variation (CV> 35%) would require varied management practices over the area.

International Journal of Natural and Applied Sciences Vol. 1(2) 2005: 140-144