2025/07/02 by Samuel, J. K., Ipinmoroti, R. R., Garpiya, B. T. +3
#Bagale #Floodplain #Soil Characterization #Suitability evaluation #groundnut yield
paper · doi:10.82552/njhs.v29i2.63-74
Soil characterization is the categorization of soils into groups at varying levels of generalization according to their morphological, physical, chemical, and mineralogical properties. The soils of Bagale floodplain were studied using transect technique in soil sample collection. Twelve soil samples were collected from the identified genetic horizons of the three (3) pedons dug at the study area. Soil depth varied from deep to very deep with range of 145 to 167 cm and soil colour varied from dark yellowish brown (10YR4/6) to very dark brown (10YR2/2). The soil textures were mainly sandy loam to sandy clay loan, with sand size dominating the particle size fractions. Bulk density increases down the profile with irregular pattern. The soil pH was slightly acidic to slightly alkaline (6.21 -7.20), while the EC, OC, N and AVP were generally low. However, the soil exchangeable bases and base saturation were moderate to high.. The soils were therefore classified according to the USDA Soil Taxonomy as Typic Endoaqualfs. Suitability evaluation of the soils derived from the three different pedons in the Bagale floodplain for groundnut cultivation using the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations’ (FAO) conventional method showed that despite climatic factors, soil depth and base saturation were highly suitable (S1) for groundnut cultivation while, the organic carbon contents indicated that the soils were moderately suitable (S2) for groundnut cultivation. When the aggregate suitability ratings, drainage and pH were taken into consideration, the soils were considered unsuitable for groundnut production. Therefore, to enhance the productivity level of the land for optimum groundnut production, proper agronomic practices should be carried out to improve the fertility of the soils by providing channels for excess water removal, ridging, rational fertilizer usage and deliberate liming to checkmate pH.