Morphology and Classification of the Southern Sombreiro -Warri Deltaic Plain Soils Surounded by Mangrove Forests in Niger Delta

Abstract

The soils of the Southern Sombreiro-Warri Deltaic plain surrounded by mangrove forest in Kalabari Kingdom, Eastern Niger Delta were studied to assess their morphological characteristics and classification. Four profile pits were sunk, one in each of the following towns: Degema, Abonnema, Buguma and Tombia. The profiles were studied and described. The soils had sandy loam and sandy clay textures. Dominant structures were granular at the surface and subangular blocky at the sub-surface. The soil consistence was friable at the surface; sticky and plastic when wet at the subsurface. Bulk density was 1.3 g/cm³. Porosity of the soils were 49, 46, 45, and 60%for Degema, Abonnema, Buguma and Tombia respectively. The soils were acidic (pH 5.2, 5.4, 5.0 and 4.4) for the above mentioned soils respectively. Organic carbon were low and ranged from 0.76 in Abonnema to 1.23% in Degema. Total N was low (0.05, 0.04, 0.04, 0.04%) while available P was moderate (11.0, 13.6, 11.3 9.5Cmol/kg) respectively. Mean ECEC for the above soils were 11.92, 10.78, 9.37, 7.85 Cmol/kg respectively. Base saturation were low to moderate and ranged from 49.86% in Abonnema to 60.13% in Tombia. The soils were classified as coarse loamy, well drained, Iso-hyperthermic typic paleudults (USDA Soil Taxonomy) and Acrisols (FAO/UNESCO). They have the capability for sustainable crop production but would require inorganic and organic fertilization and liming.

Key words: Soil Morphology, Classification, Iso-hyperthermic, Typic paleudults, Acrisols, Sombreiro-Warri.