Suitability Assessment of some Soils for Cultivation of Maize (Zea Mays) along a Toposequence in College of Agriculture Mokwa Teaching and Research Farm, Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

The establishment of an institution of higher learning and related infrastructures in Mokwa community has resulted in the influx of human beings leading to serious pressure on soil and land resources. An experiment was conducted in 2017 to investigate the suitability of some soils along a toposequence for the cultivation of Maize (Zea mays) in College of Agriculture Mokwa Teaching and Research Farm. Maize is a major crop cultivated in this farming community. Three sites were chosen along a toposequence for this study and they were the crest (CS) middle slope (SM) and valley bottom (VB). A four hectare plot was demarcated for CS and MS respectively while three hectares were for VB. At the Centre of each plot soil samples were obtained with aid of an auger from 0-120 cm depth at intervals of 15cm. They were bagged separately, labeled and taken to the laboratory for routine analysis. At the laboratory samples were treated and analyzed for the following physical and chemical properties, particle size, bulk density, percentage moisture content, pH, percentage organic matter, organic carbon, total N, available P, exchangeable bases (K, C, A, Mg and Na) CEC and ECEC. Soil depth, slope, and drainage were assessed in the field while climatic data were obtained from the meteorological station of the college. Using the parametric and limitation approach, all land features were highly suitable except slope which was a limitation. The low values of physical and chemical properties make these soils currently not suitable for the cultivation of maize. However amendment with organic and mineral fertilizer is recommended for continuous cultivation of maize on these soils along with agronomic practices that will reduce run off to some certain level.