Evaluation of Land Suitability for RICE (Oryza sativa L.) and Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) Production on Selected Soils across Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

Soil survey was carried out within five Local Government Areas in Niger State namely: Kontagora, Wushishi, Bida,
Katcha and Lapai in Sub-Humid Niger Trough Agroecological zone of Nigeria. The soils were developed from alluvial
deposits, Cretaceous Nupe Sandstone and undifferentiated basement complex rocks as the parent materials. The soils were
surveyed at detailed scale (1:4,000) to assess their suitability, identify limitations and suggest sustainable management
options for rice and cassava production. Alfisols constituted 61 % of the soil units, while Entisols covered 39 % of the soil
units studied across Niger State. The parametric evaluation indicated the soil salinity was highly suitable, while chemical
fertility was the most critical factor for both rice and cassava production across the entire study areas in the State. The land
suitability evaluation showed that about 39 % and 50 % of land units were highly suitable (S1) for rice and cassava
production, respectively under potential evaluation, and none under actual evaluation. Rice and cassava had 44.44 % and
50 % of the land units as moderately and marginally suitable, respectively under actual evaluation. Only land units NG 4
and NG 3 were not suitable for rice and cassava cultivation respectively under actual condition. Management practices
suggested for upgrading the suitability of the land units for rice and cassava cultivation includes: application of inorganic
fertilizers, organic matter, and animal manure for nutrient availability and retention, while construction of drainage
structure and ridges were suggested to improve drainage condition of the soil