CHARACTERIZATION OF SOILS ALONG TOPOSEQUENCE UNDERLAIN BY SANDSTONE IN AJIDINKPOR, IKOM, CROSS RIVER STATE.

The knowledge of the pattern of soil distribution and the characteristics are very essential for a better understanding, use and management of soils. It is with this background that the present study aims to characterize soil properties along toposequence in soil developed on sandstone parent material. The texture observed varied considerably, ranging from silty clay, clay loam, clay, silt clay loam, clay loam to silt loam. Bulk density had a mean value of 1.58 g/cm³, 1.61 g/cm³, and 1.15 g/cm³, in the crest, middle slope and valley slope soils. The soil was strongly acidic with pH in the crest, middle slope and valley bottom being 5.4, 5.35, and 5.4. The soil low in OC contents, all topographic positions had OC <1 %. The values of soil fertility indicators (organic carbon, total nitrogen, available P, exchangeable Ca, Mg, and K) were generally low. The findings further revealed that soil in the valley slope was better in quality than soils within the crest and middle slope. Cu had a mean value of 3.97 mg/kg, 2.17 mg/kg and 1.2 mg/kg in the crest, middle slope and valley slope soils, respectively. The values of Mn, Zn and Fe were above critical limit for deficiency. The values of estimated micronutrient indicated that the soils are safe for crop cultivation. Hence, to raise the productivity level of the present soil for optimum performance of crop, the management techniques such as continuous application of organic manure/crop residues to the soil, and use of low levels of chemical inputs should be put in place. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]