Application of geographical information system (GIS) in selected soil mapping for crop production in selected local Government areas of Abia State, Nigeria
Date
2023-06
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Federal University of Technology, Owerri
Abstract
This study used Geographic Information System (GIS) as a mapping tool to evaluate the suitability of selected soils of different parent materials for crop production (Tomato, Cabbage, Cucumber and Watermelon) in Southeastern Nigeria. A free survey technique was used in situating soil profile pits. Five (5) Profile pits were dug on each of three (3) dissimilar lithologies, giving a total of fifteen (15) profile Pits. Pits were dug, described and sampled according to FAO (2006). Undisturbed soil samples were collected using core samplers for bulk density and moisture content determination. While soil colour and other morphological properties were determined in-situ. Routine analyses were carried out using standard methods. Ordinary kriging was used to interpolate the values at unsampled location, generating spatial distribution maps for each soil property using geographic information software ArcGIS 10.2. Land suitability evaluation was carried out using FAO(2006) land suitability evaluation method. Soils of Amuro were Sandy Clay , Isiobuzor were Loamy Sand and Umunneochi (Isuochi) were Sandy Loam. The percentage sand content was significantly higher in Umunneochi (856.50g/kg, P<0.01) followed by Isiobuzor(845.30g/kg, P<0.05). Clay content was significantly higher in Amuro (284.50g/kg, P<0.01) and lowest in Isiobuzor
(55.910g/kg, P<0.05).While Bulk density was significantly higher in Amuro (1.444gcm, P<0.01) and low in Isiobuzor (1.33gcm, P<0.05). The soils of the areas were acidic irrespective of the parent materials and were ranked thus Isiobuzor>Umunneochi>Amuro. Organic carbon of all the selected soils was generally low and followed thus Umunneochi>Amuro>Isiobuzor. Percentage base saturation was ranked Isiobuzor > Amuro> Umunneochi. Percentage base saturation showed a significant positive correlation with sand (r=0.774, P<0.01) The soil of Umunneochi was highly suitable (S1) for cucumber and watermelon production. The soil of Isiobuzor was moderately suitable(S2) for cucumber and water melon production. the soil of Amuro was not suitable for cucumber and water melon production as a result of the soil texture (NI). All the soils of the study areas were marginally suitable (S3) for Cabbage and tomato production. The soils of Umunneochi and Isiobuzor were classified as Typic Hapludalf(Soil Taxonomy) while the soil of Amuro was classified as Typic Endoaquoll. The kriging map showed that sand was highest at Umunneochi and decreasd down to Amuro and Isiobuzor. Clay content increased from Umunneochi down to Amuro and decreased to Isiobuzor. The moisture content, Bulk density increased from Umunneochi down to Amuro and thereafter decreased to Isiobuzor. Total porosity decreased from Umunneochi down to Amuro thereafter increased at Isiobuzor. Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Potassium (K), Sodium (Na), Effective cation exchange capacity (ECEC) and base saturation (Bs) increased from Umunneochi down to Amuro and lowest at Isiobuzor. Aluminium (Al), Bulk density (BD), Total nitrogen were highest at Umunneochi and dereased down to Amuro to Isiobuzor.
Description
A Masters thesis on soil survey and land use planning
Keywords
Soil mapping, crop production, gepgraphic information systems, Imo State, Abia State, soil science and technology
Citation
Essoribe, N. U. ( 2023 ). Application of geographical information system (GIS) in selected soil mapping for crop production in selected Local Government Areas of Abia State, Nigeria. (Unpublished Masters thesis), Federal University of Technology, Owerri.