ABSTRACT
This study area was carried out on a 2.14-hectare land in the faculty of Agricultural training
and research farm, University of Benin, Edo State to evaluate the suitability of some soils
for yam cultivation. Soil survey process was carried out with an intensive scale and this
produce two mapping unit of which were represented by a pedon; each pedon were
appropriately described and sampled. The soil samples were analysed using standard
procedures at the laboratory. Land suitability assessment was done by comparing the
characteristics of the land with land requirements for yam production. The land had two
pedons covering 2.14 hectares. For pedon 1 occupying 0.71 ha covers 33.18 % and pedon
2 occupies 1.43 ha which covers 66.82 %. Using the limitation method all pedons were
currently not suitable (N1) due to soil fertility (pH, total nitrogen, available p, organic
carbon, exchange k, ECEC and Base saturation) while the parametric method revealed that
both pedons were marginally suitable (S3). Thus, yam cultivation in the study area is not
advisable unless economically viable. However, a thorough cost-benefit analysis is
recommended before proceeding with yam cultivation.
