EVALUATING LAND SUITABILITY FOR ALFALFA (Medicago sativa) PRODUCTION IN MINNA, SOUTHERN GUINEA SAVANNAH, NIGERIA

Land evaluation is the assessment of land performance when used for specified purposes. It
is an essential tool for resolving the competing needs in respect to land uses and thus a pre
requisite for a successful and sustainable agricultural enterprise such as crop production.
This study assessed and evaluated a parcel of land (1.51 ha) for its suitability for production
of alfalfa in Minna, Nigeria. In the centre of the field, a mini soil profile (100 x 100 x 100
cm) was excavated and described according to standard guidelines. The samples were
collected from the identified genetic horizons and taken to the laboratory for routine
analysis. Square root method was used in land suitability evaluation. Results revealed a
moderately deep and imperfectly drained sandy loam, moderately acidic (pH 5.4 - 5.6), low
content of organic C (≤ 4.17 g kg-1), total N (0.14 g kg-1), available P (7.20 mg kg-1) and very
low exchangeable K (0.43 cmol kg-1). Land evaluation revealed suitability indices of 36 and
51% for actual and potential which corresponded with marginally suitable (S3) and
moderately suitable (S2) classes respectively for cultivation of alfalfa. Incorporation of
organic matter and fertility management will enhance the sustainable production of alfalfa
in the study area