Assessment of soil properties along a toposequence in Kashere, Gombe State, Northern Guinea Savanna
A study was conducted along a toposequence at the Teaching and Research Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Federal University of Kashere, to determine the physical and chemical properties of the soils and their suitability class. Three profile pits (2m x 1.5m x 2m) were dug at upper, middle, and lower slope positions. Soil samples were collected from every slope position. Undisturbed core soil samples were taken for bulk density determination, while disturbed samples were used for analyzing texture, particle density, total porosity, pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), electrical conductivity (EC), available phosphorus, total nitrogen, organic carbon, and exchangeable bases. Results showed high variability (>35%) in most soil separates except for sand and exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP), which had low variability (<15%), making the textural class predominantly sandy loam. Total porosity, bulk density, and particle density values had low variability (<15%). Bulk density was favorable (less than 1.6g/cm³) for crop production, but total porosity was marginally suitable (below 45%-50%). pH variability was low, while organic matter, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, sodium, and CEC varied marginally. Magnesium, calcium, potassium, EC, and ESP had high variability. Available phosphorus, total nitrogen, organic matter, and CEC were low. The soils were acidic with moderate to high concentrations of exchangeable bases. EC and ESP values indicated non-saline and non-sodic soils. Terrace farming on middle slopes and strategic fertility management, including integrated organic and inorganic fertilizers, are recommended for sustainable agricultural productivity at the Teaching and Research Farm, Federal University of Kashere, Gombe State.
Keywords: Soil chemical properties, soil physical properties, toposequence, terrace
*Correspondence: umarsalehkatagum83@gmail.com, 08069530591
Download Paper