Evaluation on fertility potentials of some soils in Gashaka local government area of Taraba State, Nigeria

Abstract

Field works were conducted to the study fertility potentials of some soils in Gashaka Local Government Area of Taraba State. Soil samples were collected from four selected wards; Gangumi, Garbabi, Jamtari and Gayam, using cropping systems as criteria for collection. Four profile pits were sunk in each of the wards and twelve (12) augering points, three in each ward at a distance of 2.5 km away from the pit. Soils were analyzed for morphological, physical and chemical properties. Results obtained revealed that the soils are deep (>1.6 m), and the soils are generally sandy loam textured with a moderately medium sub-angular blocky structure. Soils are yellowish brown (10YR 5/6 ) and strong brown (7.5YR) when moist to reddish in colour (2.5YR) under dry conditions at the surface indicative of prevalence of Fe (III) and Fe (II) oxide with bulk density mean values of 1.55 and 1.60gcm³ for pedons and augered samples respectively with mean porosity of 46% for all the samples. Chemical properties shows that the pH of the soils is moderately acidic (5.50 to 6.64) to neutral with low to moderate EC values in pedons and augered samples respectively. Organic carbon and net nitrogen averaged 9 g/kg and 6 mg/kg respectively. Available P averaged 3.7 and 0.84 mg/kg for pedons and augered samples respectively. Exchangeable acidity, total exchangeable bases and exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) were low while effective cation exchange capacity (ECEC) was moderate to high in all the samples. The soils of the four districts are deep, moderate in structure and well drained with, low to medium organic carbon, N, P and K contents indicated medium fertility levels, and could be maintained and sustained through monitoring and balanced integrated nutrient management using both synthetic and organic fertilizers.