Soil Characterization and Suitability Evaluation for Yam (Dioscorea spp) Production in the Polytechnic Bali Research Farm, Taraba State, Nigeria

Abstract

The soil of Teaching and Research farm of the Polytechnic Bali of Taraba State, Nigeria were characterized and evaluated for suitability rating for yam production. Three soil units I, II and III were identified based on the morphological, physical and chemical characteristics of the soil using grid method of soil survey. The soil were very deep (14 cm – 200 cm), well drained with sandy loan surface texture and sandy clay loam subsurface texture. The soil reaction was moderate to slightly acidic (5.1 – 6.3) with moderate to high exchangeable bases (0.21 cmol/kg – 3.85 cmol/kg), medium to high organic carbon (0.5 % - 0.7 %). Low total N (0.12 % - 0.13 %), moderate P (7 mg/kg – 19 mg/kg) and high base saturation (51.6 % - 59.59 %) with moderate to high CEC (15.38 cmol/kg – 19.64 cmol/kg). The soil properties were match with the requirement of yam and the overall suitability rating of the soil were asses based on the factors and limitations. Soil unit I and III were rated non- suitable (N) for yam production due to the stony surface, high slope gradient and several rills while unit II were considered moderately suitable (S2) as result of depth of the soil, texture (sandy loam) and moderate nutrient status of the soil.