SUITABILITY RATING AND MANAGEENT OF PART OF COLLEGE OF AGRONOMY RESEARCH FARMS’ SOILS FOR MAIZE(Zea mays) AND COWPEA(Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp)CULTIVATION AT NORTH CORE, UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE, MAKURDI.

ABSTRACT

A detailed study was conducted on Block A, New College of Agronomy Research Farms, Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi using conventional grid method to evaluate the suitability of the soils for some commonly produced crops in the area. Three profiles were sunk in each of the two segments and morphological described. Standard analytical were procedures adapted for the required soil physico- chemical properties. Data obtained were marched with crops requirements to give suitability classes of the soils. Results showed that all the soil parameters ranged from very low to medium in their levels; pH (5.79-6.80), OC (0.01-1.20%), TN (0.03-0.61%), Av. P (2.9-4.70mgl^-1),Cations were in the order Ca> Mg > K >Na; CEC (4.10-8.84cmolkg^-1) and base saturation > 80%.Soil textures; from loamy sand through sandy clay loam to clay. Most land parameters were highly suitable for the crops cultivation except mean annual maximum temperature, organic carbon and available phosphorus; soil structure and extractable K. On aggregate all the soils were highly suitable for crop cultivation as the limitations by temperature, OC and Av. P., K., and structure did not substantially reduce the soils suitability for cowpea and maize cultivation. Annual maximum temperature limitation may be corrected by planting improved crops varieties that can tolerate such temperatures; pH by slight de-acidification, OC will be remedied by incorporating organic manures into soils while Phosphorus and potassium rich fertilizers may be applied into these soils to correct their deficiency.

Keywords: Aggregate Suitability, Crops, Analytical Procedures, Soil Parameters, Limitations, Remedy.