Characterization and Erodibility Evaluation of Soils of Wukari Metropolis Northeast Nigeria

Abstract

The study was aimed to characterize and evaluate the erodibility of soils of Wu- kari metropolis, Taraba State Nigeria. Three profile pits were cited in the study area using free survey technique. Soil samples were collected from profile pits based on horizon differentiation and were subjected to routine laboratory analy- sis. Data generated were analyzed statistically using the coefficient of variation. The result indicated that sand particle was predominant over other fine fractions as determined in both water and Calgon in all the pedons. Soil pH ranged from 6.35 to 6.90 across the pedons. Organic matter (OM) had mean of 1.73 %, 1.49 % and 2.12 % in pedons 1, 2 and 3. Cation exchange capacity (CEC) and available Zn were generally low while available Fe was high in all the studied pedons. The dispersion ratio (DR) ranged from 68.52 % - 90.25 %, clay dispersion index (CDI) ranged from 64.34 % - 90.69 % and clay flocculation index (CFI) ranged from 9.31 % - 35.66 % in pedons 1, 2 and 3. The soil pH, CEC, DR, and CDI had low variation among horizons of each pedon. Soil pH and OM correlated posi- tively ( ≥ r = 0.190 ≤ r = 0.441) with available Fe and Zn. Organic matter corre- lated negatively with DR, CDI, and CFI. Hence the soils were erodible; there- fore sustainable management practices must be adopted, to ensure sustainable productivity and environmental protection in the studied area.