ABSTRACT
The study was conducted to map and classify soils in Iguzama Community, Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. The study area was grouped into two sites; site A, covering 4ha and site B covering 12ha. The soils were classified using local classification system. Rigid grid systematic survey method at a detailed scale was used for the soil survey process and two mapping unit were delineated in each study site. Representative pedons were sunk in each mapping unit, described appropriately and sampled for analysis. Soil samples were analyzed using standard methods. Soils were classified under the local classification system using Moss (1957) classification as updated by Ogunkunle (1983). The result showed the textural class of the soils varied from Sandy, Loamy sand, Sandy loam and Sandy clay loam while the soil structure ranged from single grain crumb to fine the medium sub-angular blocky with base saturation ranging from 33% - 98% and pH level from 4 – 6. The sand and silt fraction decreased with increasing depth, while the clay fraction increased with increasing depth. The mean values for; sand fraction in the soils lay within 787gkg-1 – 886gkg-1 , for silt 15 gkg-1 - 26.8gkg-1 and clay from 88gkg-1 – 190gkg1 . The CV of pH for pedon 1 was 10.5 with a ranking of low variability as well as its sand fraction which had CV value of 6gkg-1 . In pedon 2, the pH, Al, base saturation and sand fraction were ranked as low variability with CV values of 6.2, 0.42cmolkg-1 , 13.9% and 11.5gkg-1 respectively. The pH, ECEC, CEC and sand fraction of pedon 1b under site B were in low variability with CV values of 9, 6.8cmolkg-1 , 13.67cmolkg-1 and 5.1gkg-1 respectively. The silt fraction, base saturation and pH of pedon 2b had low variability with CV of 8.37gkg-1 , 12.19% and 4.4 respectively. Site A, pedon 1 covering 1.65ha was classified as Ahiara series (sandy) and pedon 2 with area coverage of 2.64ha classified as Orlu series (normal) while at site B, pedon 1b covering an area expanse of 6.4ha was classified as Kulfo series (normal) and pedon 2b (5.69ha) was classified as Orlu series xii (clayey). The soils are acid sands; proper understanding of these soils and management practices such as liming, fertilizer application, intercropping and application of various soil amendments amongst others would improve their limitations to cultivation of specific crops.
