Distribution of soil quality indicators in Fadama soils of Anambra State Southeast, Nigeria

Fadama soils are low lying flood plain soils found along river bank areas of Anambra state prone to flooding.The present study investigated the distribution of soil quality indicators in Fadama soils in Anambra State.Soil sample for the study were collected from 7 different locations across the state which were Ubahuekwem, Ogbakuba, Igbakwu, Ezi-Anam, Ogboji, Ugbenu and Ufuma.Sixty (60) samples were randomly collected from rice farms in each of the location to form a composite.These samples were analyzed for physical, chemical, heavy metal content and structural stability etc. Result findings showed the soils are acidic (pH 3.75-5.88).Organic matter content of the soils varied 1.59-4.29%.There was high concentration of P in aggregate sizes of the soils relative to OC and N concentration.Positive significant (P<0.05 and P<0.01) relationship existed between structural stability and most chemical soil indicators such as N, OC, OM, P and Na.Calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and effective cation exchange capacity (ECEC) showed a highly negative relationship with sand respectively.Soil quality for the different location suggest that Igbakwu and Ezi-Anam were most suitable when considering chemical indicators and Ezi-Anam and Ogbakuba for structural stability of the soils.From the result findings the Fadama soils in Anambra state will require nutrient management to optimize crop production in the areas studied.