Characterization and Land Suitability Evaluation for Cocoyam in Southern Nigeria

Abstract

The soils on diverse landforms in Ikot Esidem, Southern Nigeria were characterized and their suitability evaluated for three varieties of cocoyam. The study area was stratified into flood plains, inland valleys, gentle slopes and crest. The results indicate that sand (30-78%) dominated pedons of gentle slopes and crest while silt (25-55%) and clay (19-51%) dominated the pedons of flood plains and inland valleys. The soils of flood plains and inland valleys were moderately acid (pH 5.0-5.7), medium to high in organic carbon (6.3-20.5 g/kg) and medium to high in base saturation (BS) (46-90%). The gentle slopes and crest units were strongly acid (pH 4.0-5.1), low in organic carbon (4.0-11.3 g/kg) and base saturation (20.5-34.7%). The land suitability evaluated the flood plains and inland valleys as moderately suitable and the gentle slopes and crest as not suitable for Dasheen Type Taro. The flood plains and inland valleys were also evaluated moderately suitable, whereas gentle slopes and crest were marginally suitable for Eddoe Type Taro. Efficient water control drainage and erosion control will enhance cocoyam cultivation depending on terrain type.