NUTRIENT STATUS AND MANAGEMENT OF SOILS IN UGAH VILLAGE AREA OF NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study was carried out to assess the nutrient status of soils formed from alluvial floodplain of River Benue around Ugah village in Nasarawa State of Nigeria and to recommend management practices that can help to enhance and sustain the agricultural productivity of the soils. Three main soil mapping units were identified and therefore, three soil profile pits were dug and carefully studied in the area and soil samples collected were analysed for their physical and chemical properties. The results of the study show that the soils of the study area are very low to low in total nitrogen, low to medium in phosphorus, very low to medium in potassium, calcium, magnesium, and CEC. Therefore, with the present low-input agriculture in the area, nutrient depletion will certainly continue, a situation which can lead to total loss of productivity potential and environmental impoverishment. Hence, the need arises now to enhance the nutrient status of the soils on long-term basis and to achieve this, an integrated management package involving erosion control measures, applications of the right types and adequate quantities of inorganic and organic fertilizers together with better cultural practices are required. The roles of agricultural extension agents are also crucial to agricultural sustainability. Hence, there is the need for their regular interactions with the farmers.