Description and Characterization of Some Alfisols under Two Different Land-Use (Groundnut and Maize) Patterns in Chanchaga, Minna, Niger State.

Abstract

Adequate soil data is essential for productive and sustainable agricultural land use. Some soils of Chanchaga, Minna, Niger state were surveyed, characterized and classified so as to generate information for enhancing its land use capability. The study area was surveyed by the rigid grid method (100m x 100m) of soil survey. Four land units (CHA1, CHA2, CHA3, and CHA4) were established based on textural class, drainage, topography, and soil depth. Pedons were cited in each soil unit and characterized. Soil samples were collected from genetic horizons and analyzed for morphological, physical, and chemical properties. The drainage condition of the soils were generally imperfect to poor drainage, with soil colour predominantly varying from dark grayish brown to brown (under moist condition), and mainly sandy loam in texture. Sand was dominant mineral size fractions in the soils, ranging 340 g kg-1 to 800 g kg-1. The pH of the soils were moderately acidic to alkaline in reaction, ranging from 5.75 to 6.67 and 5.85 to 7.75 in surface and sub-horizons respectively. Organic carbon ranged from 2.39 g kg-1 to 9.18 g kg- 1, and CEC ranged from 3.20 cmol kg-1 to 9.22 cmol kg-1. The base saturation in the soils were generally high, ranging from 66.3% to 92.0%. The soils were classified as follows: CHA1- Aquic Haplustepts/Anthraquic Cambisols, CHA2 - Typic Haplustalfs/Haplic Luvisols, CHA3 - Typic Plinthusalfs/Haplic Plinthosol, and CHA4 - Lithic Ustorthents/Cambic Leptosol. Key words: Characterization, Classification, Soil Characteristics