Suitability Evaluation of Soils of Ohimini Area of Benue State, Nigeria for Sustainable Rainfed Arable Crop Production

Suitability evaluation of soils of ohimini area of Benue state, Nigeria for sustainable rainfed arable crop production was carried out. This study evaluates the suitability and limitations of soils of Ohimini area of Benue State for sustainable maize and Rice production. The research was carried out in Atlo,Ochobo, Atakpa, Ojano,Ijami and Anmoda areas within Ohimin area of Benue State, Nigeria. Soil sampling was carried out from July to August, 2014 at six different locations at 0 - 15 cm and 15 – 30. The bulk samples were air dried and gently crushed using mortar and pestle. The samples were then passed through 2 mm sieve for laboratory analysis. The suitability of the soils was assessed for Rice and Maize by matching their characteristics with the requirements of the crops and their critical limits. The suitability class of a soil is that indicated by its most limiting characteristics. Thus the classes S1, S2, S3 and N represent highly, moderately, marginally and not suitable respectively. The interpretation of critical limit of analytical parameter was done according to the procedure stated by Esu (1991). The soils were generally rated suitable for Rice and Maize production; however, CEC was identified as the most limiting factor. Based on the results, the N status of the soil should be increased by practicing O- minimum tillage and planting crops that are capable of fixing N. Organic carbon level should also be raised through appropriate organic matter maintenance strategies.