SOIL MAPPING AND CLASSIFICATION ON FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE TRAINING AND RESEARCH FARM, UNIBEN

ABSTRACT

The study was conducted to map and classify soils in the Faculty of Agriculture Training and Research Farm, University of Benin, Edo State, Nigeria. The soils were classified using local classification system. Rigid grid systematic survey method at an intensive scale was used for the soil survey process and two mapping units were delineated in the 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 that textural class of the soils varied from Loamy sand, Sandy loam to Sandy clay loam while the soil structure ranged from fine sub-angular blocky to fine the medium sub-angular blocky with base saturation ranging from 13% - 53% and pH level from 4.6 5.4. The sand and silt fraction decreased with increasing depth, while the clay fraction increased with increasing depth. Sand fraction in the soils lay within 738gkg-1 863gkg-1, silt ranged 7gkg-1 - 23gkg-1 and clay from 11.5gkg-1 26gkg-1. Pedon 1 covering 0.71ha and Pedon 2 with area coverage of 1.43ha were both classified as Orlu series (normal). 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.