THE SOILS OF SOIL SCIENCE DEPARTMENTAL FARMS AND THEIR MANAGEMENT AT JOSEPH SAAWUAN TARKA UNIVERSITY, MAKURDI

Abagyeh S. O. I., Agber P. I., Gbabe G. V. and Abah T. O.

ABSTRACT

A detailed study was carried out on Department of soil science farm soils {Latitudes 7^o47’4’’N and Longitudes 8^o 37’20E’’ and Latitude 7^o47’20’’N and Longitude 8^o 37’28’’E} behind the university clinic to characterize, classify the soils and proffer their management practices. Three profile pits were dug and morphological described with respect to FAO guidelines while samples collected from genetic horizons were analyzed using standard laboratory procedures and classified according to USDA/WRB; Climatic data were collected from NIMET station domiciled in Soil Science Department of the University. The soils slope 0-3%, well to imperfectly drained and <130cm deep. Soil surfaces were dark reddish grey (2.5 YR4/3) to reddish brown (2.5YR4/4) with grayish (10YR5/1) subsusurfaces mottled reddish yellow (7.5YR6/6) to red (10YR5/8); textures from sandy loam to clay, structure from weak fine crumbs to strong sub angular blocky.Dominant Sand particlesfrom 38.24% to 85.52%, silt 5.28% to 11.36% and clay 7.20% to 52.40%. Slightly acidic (pH 6.10-6.79.) with bulk densities (1.19 to 1.36gcm³). the soils’ nutrients levels were generally very low too low to sustain agricultural productivity: OC (0.24-0.29%), TN (0.061-0.071%), Available P (4.52-6.44mgl^-1), Ca (3.10-2.3), Mg (2.1-1.60), K (0.26-0.36), and Na (0.21-0.29cmolkg^-1); CEC (7.10-10.1 cmolkg^-1) base saturation (49.00-71.52%) while temperatures were very high (33^oC). They were classified as Kanhaplic Rhodustalfs (Kandic Luvisols. Rhodic, Arenic) and Typic Paleustalf ClayiecLuvisols, Glayeic, Kandic). Farm management practices such as organic matter incorporation and mineral fertilizer application are recommended while bush burning should be discouraged to improve the soils fertility level. Plants or crops adaptability is recommended to remedy temperatures limitation cases. Slight acidification may be needed for acid loving crops for optimal yields.

Keywords: Soil Characterization, Management, Agricultural Productivity, Fertilizer Application, Crops Adaptability