SOIL ASSESSMENT AND SUITABILITY CRITERIA FOR THE CULTIVATION OF CEREAL CROPS IN THE ALIERO AREA OF KEBBI STATE, NIGERIA

The study was carried out to assess soils and the suitability criteria for the cultivation of cereals crops in
Abdullahi Fodiyo University of Science and Technology Teaching and Research Farm, Aliero, Sudan
Savannah Agroecology. The objectives were to classify the soils and determine it suitability for cereal
cultivation in the study area; map the soils of study area. An intensive grid survey was carried out on a
50ha land at a scale of 1:25,000. The land was gridded at 100 x 100m2
intervals apart. A baseline was
established, followed by augering along intersects for surface sampling of soils to determine boundaries
based on differences in soil properties. In each soil mapping unit identified, a soil profile pit was dug,
described and soils sampled from each identified genetic horizon from bottom up to minimize
contamination by falling debris, for laboratory analysis. Each profile pit was dug to standard size: 150cm
length, 100cm width and 200cm depth or until an encounter with impenetrable layer or water table. The
description was in accordance with international guidelines. Data sets of measured parameters were
subjected to descriptive statistics using means, ranges and percentages. Three mapping units were
identified and denoted as TRA1, TRA2 and TRA3. The soils were deep, well-drained, to poorly drained.
Textural classes ranged from sand to sandy clay loam. while MC value was low. The fertility was low
as indicated by low values of TN, OM, OC, AP, and CEC, as 0.09gkg-1
, 1.26%, 0.73% 6.70mgkg-1
and
1.46cmolkg-1
respectively. The soils were slightly sodic and non-saline based on ESP and EC ratings.
Classification based on USDA Taxonomy system, placed the mapping units as: TRA1 (Haplustults),
TRA2 (Haplusterts) and TRA3 (Haplustalfs), which correlated with Acrisols, Vertisols and Luvisols
respectively in the WRB system. Land evaluation and suitability showed moderately suitable(S2) for
TRA3, marginally suitable(S3) for TRA1, TRA2 and currently not suitable (N) due to acidity, for guinea
corn production base on limitation highlighted above remedial majors such as liming organic
amendment, gypsym application drainage channel cover cropping and crop rotation are necessary for
improved productivity and environmental sustainability.