July 2017 Vol. 5 No.7

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Adamu I
Buji IB

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Original Research Article

Comparative analysis and evaluation of some pedons of sedimentary parent materials in South-Western Nigeria for crop production

^*1Adamu I., ²Akinbola G. E., ²Orimoloye J. R. and ¹Buji I. B.

¹Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria
²Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Ibadan, Ibadan

*Corresponding Author’s E-mail: iadurkwa@yahoo.com
GSM No.: +234(0)8036456863

Accepted June 18, 2017

Abstract

A comparative analysis of some pedons formed on sedimentary parent materials in south-western Nigeria was made, and their potential for crop production was evaluated. Three locations (Eggua, Papalanto and Esan) were surveyed and sampled for the experiment. Three physiographic positions (Upper, Middle and Lower Slopes) were identified and soil sample was collected at the depth of 0-30cm and 30-60cm for each physiographic position for physical and chemical analysis. Descriptive statistical analysis was also carried out to evaluate measure of dispersion and mean for all variables. The variability of soil properties were measured by estimating the percentage coefficient of variation (%CV). The results of the study revealed that pH in water, pH in KCl, BS and BD had the least variation when compared with Na, ECEC and sand which showed low to moderate variation and TN, OC, P, Ca, Mg, K, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, silt and clay, which shows low, moderate, high to very high variation. Also results from the analysis of variance also show that landscape positions have significant (P ≤ 0.05) effects on P, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, BS, Mg, Na, ECEC and silt, whereas, TN, OC, Ca, K, pH in water, pH in KCl, sand, clay and BD were not significantly (P ≤ 0.05) influenced by physiographic positions. Soil depth did not significantly (P ≤ 0.05) affect the availability, distribution and concentration of TN, P, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, BS, Ca, Mg, K, Na, ECEC, sand and silt. Significant (P ≤ 0.05) differences in OC, pH in water, pH in KCl, Clay and BD were observed with soil depth in all the three location. Results from Land Capability Classification shown that all the pedons in the three location falls under the Capability Class of II (moderately suitable) with limitations of fertility, erosion, and low moisture content, which make them capable for sustainable crop production with improve management practices.

Keywords: Parent material, variability, physiographic position, depth, capability.