Suitability Evaluation of Pedons from Some Agricultural Communities on the Niger River Flood Plains in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Farmers under modern agriculture are expected to have direct or indirect knowledge of soil chemical and physical characteristics as well as their suitability for intended uses. This, however, is lacking in Bayelsa State, hence this study examined the potentials and limitations of some lower Niger River plain soils of southern Nigeria and their suitability for maize production. Based on landform differences, landscape segments were separated into three mapping units per location while profile pits were dug in each unit and morphologically described. Horizon differentiation guided soil sample collection followed by laboratory analysis. Silt loam dominated soil texture while Ca dominated the exchange complex but exchangeable bases concentration was generally low. Organic C, total N and available P concentrations were closely related and low which was attributed to land clearing and frequent bush burning. Excessive rainfall and inadequate length of day were the most limiting factors under climatic factors while temperature and relative humidity were highly suitable. The ELM3 and TFN3 pedons flooded each year by Nun and Forcados Rivers, respectively, were marginally suitable S3f. Texturally, ELM1, ELM2 and TFN1 were highly suitable (S1) while ELM3, TFN2 and TFN3 were moderately suitable (S2). Due to insufficient length of dry days and wetness challenges owing to excessive rainfall, all pedons were placed under actually not suitable but potentially suitable (N1) class. Improvement measures recommended included planting early in the dry spell to avoid excessive wetness and making available more dry days as well as organic matter conservation, avoiding frequent land clearing and bush burning.