Characterization, Classification and Land Capability Evalution of Ndoni Meander Belt Soils in Niger Delta.

Abstract

Characterization, classification and land capability evaluation of Ndoni Agroecological zone in the meander belt of the Niger Delta was done. The pedons were identified on the basis of topography, drainage, vegetation, physical, chemical and morphological characteristics. The soil textures were irregular; sandy in the moderately drained levees and recent alluvial deposits but clayey in the poorly drained terrace and backswamps. The soils were generally acid; had moderate to high organic matter, low to moderate total nitrogen, available p, and effective cation exchange capacity with generally high percentage base saturation. The soil morphological and physical characteristics were dominantly used for the land capability evaluation.These include drainage (internal and external), moisture retention capacity, slope, liability to flooding, erosion, effective soil depth and climatic variations. Chemical characteristics were considered only when necessary under effective soil depth.The study area was found to have the capability for crop production. Pedons 1&2 were classified into land capability Class IIe; pedon 3( Class IIw); pedon 4 (Class IIIw) and pedon 5 (Class IVw). Pedons 1and 2 lands were capable for supporting potatoes, yams, cassava, cowpeas, maize, melon, groundnut, fruits and vegetables. Pedons 3 and 4 had the capability to support swamp rice, sugar cane, maize, cowpea, penniaples fruits and vegetables.Pedon 5 soils were capable to support swamp rice and fishing. Soil management measures to control erosion, poor drainage and flooding were recommended. Crop yield in these soils were expected to be high with adequate application of organic fertilizers and lime The soils were classified using the USDA soil taxanomy with approximate correlations with the FAO/UNESCO Soil Map of the World Legend. Soils of pedons 1&2 were classified as Typic Eutropepts and Eutric Tropoudepts (Eutric-cambisols); pedon 3&4 were classified as Vertic and Eutric Endoaquepts (Vertic-Cambisol and Eutric-gleysols;) pedon 5 was grouped as Arenic Fluvaquents. The limitations of the soils to cultivation were predominantly poor drainage/ flooding (w) and soil erosion (e).

Key words: Characterization, Classification, Land Capability, Inceptisols, Poor drainage, Erosion