Assessing Land and Soil Properties Vital for Tropical Oil Palm Production, Using a Part Of University of Ilorin as a Case Study

Assessment of land and soil properties is essential for sustainable agricultural production because soil characteristics determine crop performance and land-use potential. This study evaluated the suitability of land within the University of Ilorin, Nigeria, for oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) cultivation by assessing selected soil chemical properties and integrating laboratory and GIS analyses. Eighty soil samples were collected systematically from sixteen sub-mapping units and analyzed for pH, organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and cation exchange capacity. Results showed that mean soil pH across the four mapping units ranged from 6.04 to 6.53, which falls within the FAO suitable range for oil palm. However, mean nitrogen values (0.145–0.207%) and organic carbon (0.330–0.614%) were consistently below the recommended thresholds, while phosphorus (3.06–5.13), calcium (1.55–1.91), magnesium (0.43–0.69), and potassium in three of the four mapping units exceeded the recommended limits. Consequently, all four mapping units (100% of the 500 m × 500 m study area) were classified as not suitable for oil palm cultivation because nutrient imbalances outweighed the favorable pH conditions. The study recommends nitrogen enrichment, organic manure application, balanced fertilizer management, regular soil testing, and controlled grazing to improve soil fertility and enhance the future suitability of the area for sustainable oil palm production