This study evaluated land constraints affecting yam (Dioscorea rotundata) production in the Wukari area, northeastern Nigeria, with emphasis on identifying key soil and land factors limiting productivity. Three representative soil profile pits were excavated in major yam-growing locations and assessed using field characterisation and laboratory analyses within the Land Suitability Evaluation framework. The soils were deep (108–118 cm), well drained, and located on nearly level terrain (0–2% slope), indicating generally favourable physical conditions for yam cultivation. However, soil fertility indicators were low, with organic matter (0.5–1.9 g kg-1), total nitrogen (0.09–0.11 g kg-1), available phosphorus (0.74–2.57 mg kg-1), and cation exchange capacity (3.72–4.92 cmol kg-1) consistently below optimal levels. Soil texture ranged from loamy sand to sand, further limiting nutrient and moisture retention. Actual land suitability indices ranged from 33.54 to 43.30 (marginally suitable to currently not suitable), while potential suitability improved to 86.05 (highly suitable) under improved fertility scenarios. The major constraints were identified as low available phosphorus, low nitrogen, low organic matter content, low cation exchange capacity, and coarse soil texture. These limitations collectively reduce nutrient availability, nutrient retention, and tuber development efficiency in yam systems. The study concludes that declining yam productivity in the area is primarily driven by soil fertility depletion rather than physical land limitations. Targeted soil fertility management, particularly phosphorus supplementation, organic matter enhancement, and balanced nutrient application, is essential for sustainable yam production in the region.
Osujieke et al. (Mon,) studied this question.
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