PEDOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION AND CLASSIFICATION OF SOILS ON AN AGRICULTURAL LANDSCAPE FORMED ON BASEMENT COMPLEX TERRAIN IN MINNA, NIGER STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Morphological, physical, chemical, and mineralogical properties of soils of Pkaidina, Legbe, and Pyinko were studied with the view of classifying them taxonomically and providing useful information that could aid in better management. Three profile pits were dug within the study area and described according to the Schoeneberger guideline for soil description. The soils had deep profiles (>100cm) with generally sandy loam texture and imperfect drainage. Physical properties of the soils indicate sand fraction to be dominant, ranging from 620 to 840g kg^-1, with a relatively moderate bulk density and high porosity. The soils had a favourable pH (H₂0) ranging from 5.08 to 6.75, high base status ranging from 67.89 to 87.06%, but low to medium fertility status, with mixed mineralogy of Quartz, Orthoclase, Muscovite, Albite, and Anorthite. The soils were classified as Coarse-loamy, Mixed, Semi-active, strongly acid Oxyaquic Haplustalfs (Haplic Luvisols (Loamic)) for pedon PKA; Sandy over Coarse-loamy, Mixed, Active, Slightly acid Arenic Haplustalfs (Haplic Luvisols (Loamic)) for pedon LGB; and Coarse-loamy, Mixed, Active, Moderately acid Typic Epiaquepts (Eutric Gleyic Cambisols (Loamic, Colluvic)) for pedon PYK.