Land Suitability Evaluation For Rain-Fed Crop Production Of Some Selected Soils In Konduga Lga Of Borno State

Abstract

This study describes a Land Suitability Evaluation Survey of selected site at Limanti Chobbol about 1km South of Sharmantari Village, Konduga LGA, Borno State. Free survey method was adopted during the course of the study, soil survey of the area was carried out on the basis of field investigation with no rigid pattern of soil observation, and changes in field features like vegetation, colour, texture, and land use pattern of the area were used to establish sampling points. Representative soil samples for laboratory analysis were collected by means of auger at a depth of 0-30cm, only surface soils were sampled and a total of nine (9) soil samples were collected for the analysis. The principles and methods given in the Framework for Land Evaluation by means of land suitability classification was adopted for the evaluation of the study area which was "qualitative classification", in which the relative suitability of different land units recognized and mapped are expressed in qualitative terms only. Results for land suitability evaluation shows that mapping unit A3, A5, A6, A7 and A9, are considered to be highly suitable for soyabean, groundnut, cowpea, sesame, rice and onion provided sufficient moisture is provided. Mapping unit A1, A2, A4 and A8 are found to be moderately suitable for soyabean, groundnut, cowpea, sesame, rice and onion due to low inherent fertility as observed in the units but could still be put into cultivation for optimum yield if proper measure will be adopted as recommended. For the immediate future, it is suggested that preference be given to 'natural' methods of restoring soil fertility, such as crop rotations with an adequate fallow period, cultivation of leguminous crop as sole or in association with cereal, application of crop residues and farmyard manures where possible.