Soil Survey and Land Suitability Evaluation for Sugar Cane Production at Zagga District, Bagudo Local Government Area, Kebbi State, Nigeria

Abstract

Semi-detail soil survey and land suitability evaluation for sugarcane production was carried out in Zagga, Bagudo LGA of Kebbi State Nigeria at scale of 1:25,000 on 8,000 ha of land. The objectives were to describe the morphological and chemical properties of the soils. The entire study area was classified in to five soil units named as ZG1, ZG2, ZG3, ZG4, and ZG5. Surface soil samples were examined and collected from 0-15cm, 15-30cm depth using soil auger at 200x200m interval. Five soil profile pits were dug, described and soils sampled from bottom up, to minimized contamination by falling debris. Each soil profile pit was described based on horizon thickness, depth, colour of matrix and mottles, consistency, included materials, roots, horizon boundary, vegetation/ land use, slope, depth to water table and drainage status. The soils are slightly acidic (6.30) to moderately acidic (5.60). The total nitrogen, organic carbon, available phosphorus, and basic cations (Ca, Mg, K, Na) were low to moderately low according to guidelines for nutrient rating and interpretation for Nigerian soils. The soils were moderately drained. According to USDA soil taxonomy classification the soils of ZG 1 and ZG 2 were classified as Dystrustepts while ZG 3, ZG 4 and ZG 5 were classified as Haplustepts and correlated with World Reference Based System as Arenosols and Luvisols. ZG1 and ZG2 were named as moderately suitable (S2) while ZG3, ZG4 and ZG5 were marginally suitable (S3) according to the guidelines of land suitability evaluation for sugarcane production.