EVALUATION OF SOME SOILS OF MINNA SOUTHERN GUINEA SAVANNA OF NIGERIA FOR ARABLE CROP PRODUCTION

Abstract

The study evaluated the soils of the Teaching and Research Farm of the Federal University of Technology, Minna for arable crop production. Two dominant soil units, designated as ATRF and BTRF, were selected for this study. From each soil unit samples were collected from twelve points along diagonal transects from two depths (0 – 15 and 15 – 30 cm) and bulked to form composite samples. The samples were replicated twice and taken to the laboratory for analysis. Results showed that the texture of ATRF was sandy loam while BTRF was sandy loam on the surface over sandy clay loam on the subsurface. The silt/clay ratios of the soils were > 0.25. The soils are moderately acidic, low to medium organic carbon. The soils had medium fertility status and suitable for arable crops production but with some management practices.