LAND SUITABILITY EVALUATION FOR EFFECTIVE LAND USE PLANNING, SUSTAINABLE AND PROFITABLE CROP PRODUCTION IN MINNA, NIGER STATE

Abstract

A 500-ha land of the commercial farm of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State was evaluated for production of maize, soybean, mango and coconut using a parametric Rabia equation method. Semi-detailed soil survey using 100 m x 100 m rigid grid method preceded the evaluation. Three mapping units designated as UCF-1 and UCF-2 and UCF-3 were delineated. In each unit, two representative profile pits were dug, described and soil samples collected following the USDA guidelines. The samples were analysed for some physical and chemical properties using standard laboratory analytical procedures. Soil reaction (pH 5.9 to 6.5) was favourable for the uptake of most nutrients, which were low to moderate. All the mapping units had potential suitability indices (PSI) of greater than 50 %, when evaluated for maize and soybean which made them moderately suitable for their production, except UCF-3 with PSI of 35 % making it marginally suitable for maize. Mapping units UCF – 1 and UCF – 2 with PSI greater than 57 % after being evaluated for mango are moderately suitable for its production. The PSI of all the mapping units was less than 50 % after evaluating them for coconut production making them only marginally for its production.