Evaluation of some soils of the forest zone of Southeast Nigeria for soyabean production

Abstract

Laboratory and pot experiments were conducted to evaluate the suitability of some soils of the forest zone of southeastern Nigeria or soyabean production. Soil samples were collected from Elele, Ahoada, Okigwe, Bende, Ohadia, Isiala-Ngwa, Umudike, Akwete, Owerri and Uyo and analyzed for some chemical parameters. The pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the yield of soyabean in the different soil types. A randomized complete block design with ten replications was used for the study. The results obtained showed that some of the soils were suitable for soyabean production. The soil suitability ranking was in the order: Elele>Ahoada>Isiala-Ngwa>Uyo>Bende and Ohafia>Okigwe and Akwete>Owerri, while productivity ranking was in the order: Ahoada>Isiala-Ngwa>Elele>Okigwe>Ohafia>Bende>Uyo>Akwete>Owerri. Grain yield ranged from 3.75g/pot in Owerri to 14.63g/pot in Ahoada.

Nigerian Journal of Soil Science Vol. 15 2005: 129-132