Soil physical criteria for evaluating irrigation suitability of Okija upland soil of southeastern Nigeria

Abstract

Suitability of upland soils of Anigbo Okija for irrigation was assessed using soil physical criteria of texture, depth, pore type, slope percent colour and soil structure for the purpose of estimating season farming and rainy season drought. Soils were classified using Soil Taxonomy and FAO/UNESCO legend. Mapping was done based on physiographic differences. Results showed two distinct soil mapping units A1 and A2 with two suitability classes: moderately suitable (S2) and marginally suitable (S3)., based on soil erosion and topographic limitations respectively. Two capability classes were consequently identified as e and IIIe for soil mapping units A1 and A2 respectively. Soils were classified as Typic Paleudalf and correlated to FAO/UNESCO legend as Dystric Nitisol for soil mapping unit A1 and Typic Paleudult (S.T.) or Dystric Nitisol (FAO/UNESCO legend) for A2.

Journal of Agriculture, Forestry and the Social Sciences Vol. 3 (2) 2005: pp.99-105