Keywords
Dutch Auger
Aggregate suitability and limitation
How to Cite
Abstract
The fertility and land suitability of Mashamari, Mandarari, and Duwari soils in the Konduga Local Government of Borno State, within the Sudan Savanna climatic zone, were investigated for Wheat (Triticum aestivum) and Rice (Oryza sativa) cultivation using simple limitation methods. Soil samples were collected from nine sampling points across the study area and analyzed for various parameters. The surface soils in Mashamari and Mandarari were classified as loam, while Duwari exhibited a sandy clay loam texture. Bulk density varied across locations, with moisture content generally below the optimal range of 25–60%. Soil reaction was neutral in Mashamari and moderately acidic in Mandarari and Duwari, falling within the suitable range for both crops. Organic carbon and total nitrogen contents were generally low, and available phosphorus values were uniformly low. Exchangeable bases indicated low calcium, variable magnesium, and low to moderate potassium, with very low to low exchangeable sodium. Land evaluation revealed highly suitable conditions for soil workability, rooting depth, and nutrient availability, with marginal suitability for organic matter, cation exchange capacity, and moisture availability. Climate (temperature) was moderately suitable. The aggregate suitability classification for the current conditions was marginally suitable (S3) due to limitations in nutrient availability and moisture conditions. However, with potential amendments, particularly integrating organic materials and promoting subsurface drainage, the suitability was enhanced to moderately suitable (S2), with only temperature as a limiting factor for wheat and rice production.
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