Suitability Evaluation of Soils Formed on a Coastal Plain Sand for the Production of Cacao in Edo State

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the suitability evaluation of soils formed on coastal plain sand for the production of cacao in Edo state. The objectives of the study were to evaluate the soil for cacao production; know the suitability of soil for the production of cacao; know the strength of the soils for the production of cacao, and recommend the suitable management strategies for cacao production. Soil samples were collected from a profile pit and properties determined using standard laboratory methods. The suitability method employed in this study was the parametric method. Results indicated that soils had sandy loam at top soil and loamy sand at sub soil. Temperature, soil depth, gravel, slope and drainage are favorable for cacao production. Effective cation exchange capacity and percentage base saturation were moderately suitable for cacao production. The overall suitability ratings indicated that the soil texture is not suitable for cacao production and soil fertility is a limitation. The study recommended that the fertility limitations can be corrected by adequate liming, nitrogen fertilizer application and other management practices that boost the cation exchange capacity of the soil.