Land suitability evaluation of Kubanni floodplain for rice production in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

Land suitability evaluation analysis is necessary to achieve optimum management and utilization of available land resources for sustainable agricultural crop production. The objective of this study was to determine the suitability of Kubanni floodplain for rice production in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria. Qualitative and quantitative land suitability evaluation of two mapping units in Kubanni floodplain which covers an area of 11.6 ha was carried-out using the detailed soil survey method of classification.  Generally, the surface soil texture was sandy loam to loam. The soil  reactions were slightly acidic to neutral, organic carbon; available  phosphorus and total nitrogen were rated low. The CEC (NH4OAc) were  medium and base saturation was rated high while EC and ESP were low. Qualitatively, soil mapping units (KBI and KBII) were currently not suitable (N1) for rice production due to limitation imposed by soil chemical  properties. Quantitatively, soil mapping units (KBI and KBII) was also  currently not suitable (N1) while potentially KBII was marginally suitable  (S3). With proper soil fertility management, the potential of these soils can be raised to moderately suitable (S2) for rice through an increase in organic matter to improve soil structural development, drainage and aeration thereby improving the fertility of the soils.

Keywords: Qualitative, Quantitative, Suitability, Floodplains, Rice.