Publications (2)0 Total impact
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ABSTRACT: This study was carried out to determine the effects of topography on soil types and soil properties in a volcanic land-catena on the Jos Plateau. A soil profile was dug, described and sampled according to genetic horizons in each of the six identified landscape segments: summit, shoulder, backslope, footslope, toeslope and drainage channel. The soils were analyzed for their physial and chemical properties. The results slww that soil types, according to USDA (1990) classification, range from Typic Ustorthents on the summit and shoulder through Typic Ustropepts on the backslope, Ultic Haplustalfs on the footslope, Aquic Haplustults on the toeslope and Typic Haploquents in the drainage channel. Variation patterns of soil parameters are topographically related. Bulk density increases from the summit downslope. Organic matter decreases from the sum,mit downslope and in the same vein, other soil fertility determining variables like total N, available B, exchangeable bases [K., Ca and Mg] and CEC decline gradually downslope. Mottles and concretions increase downslope due to increasing wetness in the same way too. Considering the agricultural importance of these soils on the Plateau, this catenal relationship calls for proper land use planning for the various landscape segments in the area to determine the appropriate crops for which they are suitable. At the same time proper soil management practices are desirable for the removal of the present general constraints of the soil.
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ABSTRACT: Progressive degradation of agricultural land on the Jos Plateau is becoming increasingly evident and the area of volcanic soils, under long and continuous cultivation, is now affected. The purpose of this study is to identify the present constraints of the volcanic soils to crop production and to suggest ways of managing the soils for sustainable production. A medium - scale (l :40,000) soil survey was carried out in areas of volcanic soils on the Plateau, using air photo interpretation followed by ground truth verification. the study indicates that soils derived from volcanic parent materials occupy about 73,000 ha, representing 8.7% of the land area on the Plateau. Soil constraints identified are: erosion, occurrence of laterites, low available water capacity, low available phosphorus; low to very low total N and acidity. Enhancement and sustenance of soil fertility and productivity require integrated management package involving measures to control erosion, application of organic and right types and quantities of inorganic fertilizers, appropriate combination of crops in mixed cropping and crop rotation involving annual and perennial legumes
