Suitability Evaluation of Selected Soils for Rice Cultivation in Riggi, Lau Local Government Area, Taraba State, Nigeria

This study evaluated the suitability of selected soils for rice cultivation in Riggi, Lau Local Government Area, Taraba State, Nigeria. Two representative pedons were examined for their morphological, physical, and chemical properties to determine their potential for sustainable rice production. Results revealed significant variability between the pedons. Pedon 3 exhibited a near-neutral slightly acidic pH (6.00-6.20), moderate organic carbon, and very high cation exchange capacity (95.49-99.10 cmol/kg), but was severely constrained by critically low available phosphorus (1.18-3.41 mg/kg), dominance of exchangeable acidity (over 95% of ECEC), and high bulk density (1.87-1.97 g/cm³). Pedon 6 slightly showed alkaline pH (7.23-7.38), very low organic matter and total nitrogen, low available phosphorus (1.54-7.37 mg/kg), and severe compaction (bulk density up to 2.10 g/cm³). Electrical conductivity values were low across both pedons, indicating no salinity constraints. Based on the FAO framework, both pedons were classified as marginally suitable (S3) for rice cultivation due to multiple physical and chemical limitations. The study concludes that while the soils have potential for rice production, they require site-specific management interventions including phosphorus fertilization, organic matter incorporation, liming for Pedon 3, and amelioration of alkalinity for Pedon 6 to achieve sustainable productivity of the crop.