An Assessment of the Geomorphological Significance of Soils in Parts of Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed the geomorphological significance of soils in parts of Niger State. The objectives of the
study include identifying the types of geomorphic responses in the study area and determining key soil physical
properties of the study area. Fifty six soil samples comprising of four sub-samples were taken over eleven
locations and analysed for particle size distribution and Atterberg limits. Slope characteristics along sampled
points were also determined. The results of Atterberg limits tests indicate that 7.1% of the samples have a
plasticity index less than 7, with 80.3% of the samples ranging between 7- 17, while 12.5% of the samples have
plasticity index greater than 17- 27. Particle size distribution tests indicate that the soils of the study area are
generally sandy –sandy clay loam. Five classes of slopes were identified in the study area and the results showed
that slope classes between 2°– 2°.59″ and 3°– 3°59″ have the highest frequency of 14 and 12 respectively. This
study showed that the soils in the area have moderate plasticity index and are well drained. However, the
presence of active clays in some of the samples and the slope characteristics of the study area may mutually reenforce swelling and heaving in soils and geomorphic processes such as gullying and water ponding in
concavities (depressions and potholes). Recommendations include linking geomorphological information to
infrastructural planning and development and timely repairs of infrastructures.