Semi-Detail Soil Survey and Land Suitability Evaluation for Sugarcane Production at Tungan Ahmadu District, Koko-Besse LGA Kebbi State Nigeria

Abstract

A semi-detailed soil survey and land suitability evaluation for sugarcane production was conducted at Tungan Ahmadu Koko-Besse LGA, of Kebbi State Nigeria to obtain comprehensive soil data for characterization and classification. The aim was to generate detailed information on the properties, genesis, land characteristics, and classification of soils for their suitability for sugarcane production. The study was carried out in a 4,000ha land area. An interval of 250x250m was used for augering and surface sampling of the soils at a scale of 1:25.000. In each soil mapping unit that was identified a soil profile pit was dug, described and soils sampled in each horizon from bottom-up, to minimize contamination by falling debris and was analyzed in the laboratory. Each soil profile pit was dug to a standard size (200 cm long, 100 cm wide, and a maximum depth of 200 cm or until an impenetrable layer or water table was encountered. Each pit was described regarding its full range of morphological characteristics according to International Standard these include soil depth, horizon thickness, the color of matrix and mottles, texture, structure, consistency, porosity, included materials, roots, and horizon boundary. In addition, records of vegetation/land use, slope, depth to the water table, and internal drainage status was obtained for each profile. Measured variables in the data set were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as means and weighted average. Seven soil mapping units tagged TGA1, TGA2, TGA3, TGA4, TGA5, TGA6, and TGA7 were identified based on landforms and soil properties. The soils are slightly acidic (6.30) to moderately acidic (5.60) had low total nitrogen, organic carbon, and CEC hence low fertility. The soils in the study area are moderately deep, poorly drained, and generally loamy sand to sandy in texture. Based on the USDA Soil Taxonomy classification system, three soil units were identified as TGA1, TGA4, TGA5 and TGA6 (Haplustepts), TGA2 and TGA7 (Haplustalfs), and TGA3 (Terriorthents) which correlate according to the World Reference Base (WRB) as Luvisols, Arenosols, and Fluvisols respectively. Analyses on climate, topography, physical soil properties, wetness and fertility suitability at the research site returned results of TGA2, TGA3, TGA4, TGA5 and TGA6, moderately suitable (S2) while TGA1 and TGA7 are marginally suitable (S3) with limited factors of physical and chemical properties.