Soil Survey Analysis Using Terrain Ruggedness and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index in Wafongo-Yola Terrain, Northeast Nigeria

Abstract

This study was aimed at soil survey analysis using terrain ruggedness and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) of Wafongo-Yola Terrain, Northeast Nigeria to investigate and characterize geographic bodies such as vegetation, soils and terrain which plays an important role in evaluating soils conditions for agricultural production. In agricultural, a regional reconnaissance soil survey is usually carried out to identify soils that may support agriculture. These surveys are hectic, time consuming, laborious and cost a fortune. Many of the land users in the Northeast of Nigeria are middle class to poor farmers who might not invest in such an expensive and time-consuming venture. The cost of such surveys are high, time consuming and laborious. In tackling these problems, a cost-effective remedy is recommended through the use of remote sensing data and analysis. The Terrain Ruggedness Analysis of the top-left and some portions of the top-right quadrant at a higher level of abstraction appeared homogeneously leveled. However, areas were the terrain is rough and higher levels might need management practices to control erosion hazards.