Pedological Characteristics, Classification and Fertility Implication of Flood Plain Soil at Dakace, Zaria, Kaduna State

Abstract

This study was conducted in order to characterize, classify, and determined the fertility conditions of Dakace flood plain soils located in Zaria, kaduna State. Eight (8) profile pits were excavated in the study locations, examined, described and soil samples collected from each pedogenetic horizon for their physical and chemical properties analysis. The soils were classified based on thecriteria of USDA soil taxomy and correlated with FOA/UNESCO system. The results showed that the soils depth ranged from moderately shallow (186 cm), yellowish brown to grey in colour, Sandy loam and sandy clay loam in texture, slightly to moderately acidic, low in organic carbon content (mean 7.65 g/kg), total (high 0.46 g/kg) and available P (mean 8.7 mg/kg). The soils were low in fertility, hence there is need to adopt proper management strategy in terms of organic inorganic fertilizer application to resuscitate and sustainthe soil fertility.