ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION OF SOILS SUPPORTING SHEA TREE (Vitellaria paradoxa C.F. GAERTN) CULTIVATION IN BIDA, NIGER STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the physical and chemical properties of soils for Shea tree cultivation in Bida Local Government Area of Niger State. Three profile pits were dug and soil samples were collected from each horizon. The textural classes identified were sandy loam at the surface to sandy clay at the sub-soil in all the profiles. The result revealed that all the soils belong to one soil order Alfisol, in USDA soil taxonomy or luvisols in the FAO/UNESCO system of classification. The soils were slightly acidic with pH values which range from 5.47 – 6.13. However, the fertility status of the soil with respect to Organic carbon, Total Nitrogen, Available Phosphorus and Exchangeable bases were low and varied from one profile to another. This can be corrected by application of mineral fertilizer nutrient Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium fertilizers and the use of Organic manure such as cow dung and poultry dropping is recommended to improve the productivity of these soils for Shea tree cultivation in the area under study.