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Aug 30, 2020Keywords:
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Main Article Content
CHARACTERIZATION AND LAND SUITABILITY ASSESSMENT FOR PINEAPPLE (Ananas comosus) PRODUCTION IN BASEMENT COMPLEX SOILS OF SOUTH-WEST, NIGERIA
Abstract
To end persistent and widespread hunger and malnutrition by 2030, more lands need to be open for inclusive and
sustainable food production. Detailed survey of soils derived from basement complex in Abeokuta, South-West
Nigeria were carried out using the free traverse method. The soils were characterized, classified, and evaluated
for pineapple production using both the non-parametric and parametric methods of suitability assessment. The
delineated five mapping units classified as Alfisols and Inceptisols were well drained with loamy sand to sandy
loam surface horizons overlying sandy loam to sandy clay loam subsurface horizons. The soils were moderate in
bulk density (1.12 – 1.54g/cm3), low saturated hydraulic conductivity (0.96 – 4.01cm/hr), moderate to slightly
acid pH (5.38 – 6.81), low to moderate OC (3.90 – 23.11mg/kg), low CEC (4.01– 8.61cmol/kg), high base
saturation (84.04 – 91.69%), and low ESP (5.85 – 9.21%). When assessed by the non-parametric method,
potentially, all the mappings units were moderately suitable (S2) for pineapple production. But currently, they
were marginally suitable (S3). From the computed values of the current productivity index (40.3 – 46.9) using the
parametric method, all the mapping units were marginally suitable (S3) for pineapple production. However, the
values of the potential productivity index (63.1 – 76.4) revealed that all the mapping units will be moderately
suitable (S2) for production. The limiting factors identified include; low soil fertility, especially CEC, and soil
physical characteristics in terms of texture. With the adequate application of appropriate fertilizers and suitable
soil management, the productivity of the land will be optimally enhanced for pineapple yield and quality.
