CHARACTERIZATION AND SUITABILITY CLASSIFICATION OF SOME PLINTHIC LANDSCAPES FOR OIL PALM PRODUCTION IN NIGER STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

A rapid reconnaissance survey was carried out to characterize and classify the suitability of some plinthic landscapes for cultivation oil palm (Elaeis guinensis) in Niger State, Nigeria. Two locations, Minna and Ijah Gbagyi, were selected for the study. In each location, two representative profile pits were dug and described according to FAO guidelines for soil description. Soil samples were collected from genetic horizons for routine laboratory analysis. Suitability evaluation was performed using Square Root method. Results have shown that the color of the soils was dark brown (10YR3/3) which graded to dark yellowish brown (10YR4/4) in the subsoil in Minna, while Ijah-Gbagyi had dark yellowish brown (10YR3/4) overlaying various shades of light yellowish brown in the subsoil. Texture was sandy clay loam over gravely sandy clay in Minna; and gravely sandy loam over gravely sandy clay loam in Ijah-Gbagyi. Both locations had poorly drained substratum due to presence of indurated plinthic materials. Soil reaction was moderately acid (pH 5.9) in Minna to strongly acid (pH 5.3) in Ijah-Gbagyi. Organic carbon, CEC and percent base saturation were all medium to high. Actual suitability evaluation ranked both locations currently not suitable (N1) for oil palm due to limitation of rainfall and its distribution pattern. When irrigation management was imposed as corrective measure, Minna upgraded to moderately suitable (S2) while IjahGbagyi was marginally suitable (S3). On the basis of limitations of climate and soil factors, Minna could be more suitable for cultivation of oil palm.