LAND SUITABILITY EVALUATION FOR YAM (Dioscorea spp.) CULTIVATION ON SOME SOILS IN ISUA COMMUNITY OF EDO STATE

ABSTRACT

This study was carried out in Isua community, in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area of Edo State, to evaluate some soils for yam cultivation. Soil survey process was carried out on the site using the rigid grid method at a detailed scale which produced four (4) mapping units. Soil samples were analyzed using standard procedures. The pH values for pedons 1 and 2 increased down the profile, with the highest values at the lowest horizons while the pH values for pedons 3 and 4 decreased down the profile with the highest values at the surface horizons. The organic carbon content of the soil was highest in the surface horizons of all pedons, and decreased down the profile with the lowest values in pedons 1 and 2. Although the other land characteristics such as climate, rainfall, mean annual temperature, relative humidity, soil physical characteristics, topography and drainage were suitable for yam cultivation, all pedons were found to be currently not suitable (N1) for yam cultivation due to limitations in fertility. Thus, the cultivation of yam in the study area would be unprofitable and as such should be utilized for the cultivation of more suitable crops.