Suitability Evaluation of Soils for Yam Cultivation in Coastal Plain Sands of Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria

This study was carried out at Bodo in Gokana local Government Area of Rivers State. It is located between latitude 04.60750°N and longitude 007.26602°E with an elevation of 7m above the sea level. The study was aimed at evaluating the land suitability of soils developed from coastal plain sand and alluvium for yam Cultivation in Bodo. The soils were predominantly fine textured, with sub-angular blocky structure Soil colour varied across the various soil horizons from dark brown, brownish yellow, dark yellow to yellowish brown. The bulk density varied in the different horizons. Cation exchangeable capacity (CEC) ranged from low to high (10.67 - 55.25 cmol/kg), while the soil pH was strongly acid in all the 3 pedons with a mean of 4.45. Organic carbon and Total Nitrogen of the soils were generally low in the 3 pedons. Exchangeable sodium and Calcium were very high in the 3 pedons, while exchangeable potassium was very low. The land was marginally suitable (S3) cultivation due to limitations in soil properties (texture and depth to water table in pedon 2), wetness (poorly drained in pedon 2 and 3) and fertility (low nitrogen, organic carbon and exchangeable K), thus, does not meet the required criteria for yam production. Soil condition would however be improved for sustainable yam production by the incorporation of crop residues and farmyard manure to enhance soils nutrient availability as well as application of recommended rate of inorganic fertilizers for yam production.