SOIL PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND CONSTRAINTS TO CROP PRODUCTION IN NORTHERN YOBE STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Soil fertility is declining in northern Yobe State due to land degradation resulting from the combined effect of natural environmental processes and human activities in the area. The objective of the study is to assess the physical characteristics of the soil of the area for constraints to crop production. The study area was divided into six physiographic units. Composite samples were taken in each of the physiographic unit following the flexible grid and stratified sampling procedures and analyzed. The results revealed that the soil of the area is medium to coarse textured, has mean bulk density of 1.6 g/cm3, mean soil moisture percentage of 5.354 %, and mean infiltration rate of 1.30 cm/minute. However, variation in these parameters was observed among the different physiographic units. The dune field is essentially silty in texture with smaller pore diameter and high crop root penetration resistance, while the plain and plain/hill areas are sandy and are associated with rapid to very rapid infiltration rates and downward leaching of soil nutrients. The observed mean bulk density of soils of the area is a condition that may restrict root growth, while wind erosion and poor soil drainage are prominent physical restrictive features to crop production in the area. It is recommended that improving soil condition in the area for sustainable crop production requires an integrated approach involving vegetation regeneration to increase soil organic matter and reduce soil erosion by wind, shifting from the use of inorganic to organic fertilizers, controlled harvesting of vegetal resources, adopting agroforestry practices and providing soil management education for the farmers in the area