Fertility Investigation of an Acrisol for Site-specific Soil Management for Sustainable Production of Crops in Obehie, Southeast Nigeria

Document Type : Original Research Article

Authors

Department of Soil Science and Land Resources Management, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria

Abstract

A detailed soil survey was carried out to assess the physical and chemical properties of Acrisol soils in Obehie and propose strategies for improving sustainable agricultural productivity. A total number of 36 soil samples were collected on line transect survey method with an auger from surface (0-20 cm) and subsurface (20–40 cm) layers and analyzed for percent sand, silt and clay, pH, organic carbon, total nitrogen, available P, exchangeable cations, cation exchange capacity and base saturation using standard analytical methods. A geo-spatial technique was used to estimate the spatial distribution of the fertility of the soils. Results revealed sandy loam texture at the different depths, well-drained soils, situated on gently to nearly flat terrain. The soils had moderate organic carbon (1.3 gkg-1) in the surface to low content (0.94 gkg-1) in the subsurface layers. The soils were characterized by leaching, high acidity, and low nutrient reserves, especially exchangeable potassium. Generally, the soils were acidic and inherently poor in fertility, but good management practice can support the sustainable production of crop plants. The structure of the soil of the area can be improved by the incorporation of organic manure; the high acidity can be reduced by liming and split application of NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer to boost the nutrient reserves. These suggested practices will enhance good soil health and agricultural sustainability in the area.

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References

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