Suitability Evaluation for Pearl Millet (Pennisetum Glaucum L.) and Groundnut (Arachis Hypogaea L.) Production in University of Maiduguri Farmland (Dalori Area), Sudan Savanna, Nigeria

This research was carried out in 2023 on the University of Maiduguri teaching and research farmland, situated along the Dalori area in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State, Northeastern Nigeria. The site lies between latitudes 11°46.758′–11°47.116′ N and longitudes 13°12.744′–13°13.188′ E. The study aimed to determine how suitable the soils in this area are for cultivating pearl millet and groundnut. To achieve this, both qualitative and quantitative land-suitability assessment methods were used. The qualitative assessment employed the Simple Limitation Method (SLM), while the quantitative evaluation followed the Storie (1978; 2008) parametric approach. A total of 27 soil samples were obtained from six pedons within a single soil-mapping unit (DL), which was later categorized into three phases DL I, DL II, and DL III representing different parts of the study area. Results from the SLM showed that the soils were permanently not suitable (N2) for pearl millet and currently not suitable (N1) for groundnut. The Storie method produced similar ratings, also indicating permanent unsuitability (N2) for millet and current unsuitability (N1) for groundnut. These limitations were mainly linked to poor soil chemical characteristics. To enhance soil quality and crop productivity, the study recommends practices such as adding crop residues and farmyard manure, implementing reduced tillage and mulching, and applying fertilizers at the recommended rates for each crop. Over time, these improvements could shift the soils from unsuitable to suitable classes for both millet and groundnut, thereby promoting sustainable crop production in the area.