Characterization, Suitability Evaluation and Soil Quality Assessment of Three Soils of Sedimentary Formation for Sustainable Crop Production

Inadequate information on the status of agricultural lands can lead to misuse, mismanagement and degradation. Hence, the need for proper assessment methods for effective land management and sustainable production. This study was set out to characterize, conduct suitability evaluation and soil quality assessment of some soils under sedimentary formation.

The study was carried out on agricultural land within Obafemi Owode Local government, Ogun state. The soils were classified; suitability evaluation was carried out for tree (oil palm and cacao) and arable (maize and cassava) crops using parametric approach and soil quality assessed by soil management assessment framework.

Soils encountered at the study site include Ibeshe (Typic Kanhaplustalf), Ipaja (Rhodic Kandiusalf) and Agege (Typic Kandiustalf) Series. The soils which have moderate to high quality are marginally to moderately suitable for both tree and arable crops. Limitations to suitability include nutrient availability, nutrient retention, climate and soil physical characteristics.

Despite having high quality, the soils may not be highly sustainable for crop production except with good management. Therefore, there is need for organic matter build up and management for sustainable crop production.