FERTILITY CAPABILITY EVALUATION OF SOILS OF CONTRASTING LITHOLOGIES IN BENDE LGA, ABIA STATE, NIGERIA FOR SUSTAINABLE CROP PRODUCTION

Abstract

A study was conducted to evaluate the fertility capability of soils of different lithologies in Bende LGA., Abia state Nigeria. Free survey method was used to identify seven (7) mapping units namely Bende Asata Nkporo/Ezeaku shale (BDAES), Bende Imo shale group (BDISG), Bende Ameki Formation (BDAF), Bende false bedded sandstone (BDFBS), Bende Upper coal measures (BDUCM), Bende lower coal measure (BDLCM) and Bende Aluvium (BDALM).  Twelve (12) pedons namely OW01- OW12 were dug, described and sampled following FAO guidelines. Samples were collected, prepared and analysed in the laboratory using standard techniques. The results revealed that percentage sand dominated in the particle size analysis followed by clay and silt and were generally acidic (4.20 – 6.50). Total N (0.02 – 0.21 %) and Exchangeable K (0.08 – 1.08 cmolkg^-1) were low. Available P of the soils were generally moderate (9.20 – 28.5 mgkg^-1). In all the soils, exchangeable cations were low to moderate for calcium (0.10 – 8.80 cmolkg^-1), Magnesium (0.60 – 3.80 cmolkg^-1) and Sodium (0.006 – 0.38 cmolkg^-1). Assessment of the soils’ potentials with respect to fertility capability classification (FCC) placed the soils into five FCC units; LCghk, Lhk, LChk, Lgkf and Lghf. The finding identified problems and potentials of the soils and recommends the FCC units spatial maps generated as an advisory tool to farmers and soil scientists to make informed decisions on the appropriate fertility management for sustainable use of the soil.