Fertility status of selected soils of Jada Local Government Area of Adamawa State, North East Nigeria

Abstract

A study was conducted on the fertility status of selected soils of Jada Local Government Area of Adamawa State. Soil Samples were collected from four (4) selected wards; Jada, Wuro-Abbo, Mbulo and Kojoli, using cropping systems as criteria for the collection. Four profile pits were sunk from selected soils in each of the wards and twelve (12) augering points, three (3) in each ward at a distance of 2.5km away from the pit. Soils were analysed to determine the morphological, physical and chemical properties. Results obtained revealed that the soils were deep (>1.5m) and generally sandy loam textured with a moderately medium sub-angular blocky structure. The soils were yellowish brown (10YR 5/6 ) and strong brown (7.5YR) when moist to reddish in colour (2.5YR) under dry conditions at the surface indicative of prevalence of Fe (III) and Fe (II) oxides with bulk density mean values of 1.55 and 1.57g/cm³ for pedons and augered samples respectively with mean porosity 46 % for all the samples. Chemical properties showed that the pH of the soils was moderately acidic (5.50-6.64) to neutral with low to moderate EC values in pedons and augered samples respectively. Organic carbon and net nitrogen averaged 9 g/kg and 6 mg/kg respectively. Available P averaged 3.7mg/kg and 0.84mg/kg for pedons and augered samples respectively. Exchangeable acidity, total exchangeable bases and ESP were low while ECEC was moderate to high in all the samples. The soils of the four districts were deep, moderate in structure and well drained, with low to medium organic carbon, N, P and K contents. Thus, according FCC nomenclature the soils of the four districts could be grouped in a single FCC class with sandy nature of the soil and low organic carbon (Sm) as limitations. The soil fertility and productivity of the areas could be improved and sustained through monitoring and balanced integrated nutrient management using both synthetic and organic fertilizers.