GEOMORPHIC CHARACTERIZATION OF SOILS OF LIDO IN PINDIGA, AKKO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAOF GOMBE STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

A geomorphic characterization of soils of Lido in Pindiga Akko Local Government Area of Gombe state, was conducted inorder to ascertain the variability in soil properties as influenced by different landforms. One profile pit each was dug at the upper, middle and lower slope positions and soil samples were then collected from identified generic horizons. The soil samples were then processed and analyzed in the laboratory following standard procedure. The results revealed that the studied soils were predominantly clay, sandy clay loam to silty loam in texture. The mean bulk density values ranged from 1.40 to 1.58 g/cm. The soil pH was found to be moderately to slightly acidic, while the mean values of organic carbon, total nitrogen and available phosphorus ranged from 0.32 to 0.80 g/kg, 0.05 to 0.09 g/kg, and 6.99 to 14.58 mg/kg, respectively. The mean value of Ca, Mg, K and Na contents ranged from 4.92 to 21.02, 0.79 to 1.22, 0.3 to 0.23, and 0.06 to 0.12 cmol (+) kg soil respectively, while the micronutrients disposition of the studied soils wasgenerally found to be medium to high in soil content. Owing to the low fertility status of the study area, application of organic fertilizer and chemical fertilizer containing N, P, and K is hereby recommended, while areas with evidence of slope, should adopt agronomic practices, such as, strip cropping or mulching, inorder to protect the land from the effect of soil erosion.