Suitability Assessment of Soils of Nifor Sub - Station Ohosu Edo State for Oil Palm (elaeis Guineensis Jacq.) and Coconut (cocos Nucifera) Cultivation

The need for appropriate and maximum utilization of available agricultural lands on sustainable basis cannot be over emphasized. Hence, this study was conducted to investigate the suitability of the soils of NIFOR sub-Station Ohosu in Ovia South West Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria for both oil palm and coconut cultivation. Data from five pedons covering 2,100 hectares were used following the limitation and index of productivity approaches. The results showed that by the parametric method, potentially, the entire pedons were moderately suitable (S2) for oil palm cultivation but currently, one pedon was marginally suitable (S3) while four pedons were not suitable (N1). With respect to coconut, two pedons were highly suitable (S1) while three pedons were moderately suitable (S2) potentially but currently, the entire pedons were not suitable (N1). With respect to limitation approach, the entire pedons were marginally suitable (S3) for both oil palm and coconut cultivation potentially. Currently, one of the five pedons was marginally suitable (S3) for both oil palm and coconut cultivation while four of the pedons were not suitable (N1).The major limitations for the sub-optimum level of suitability of the land for oil palm were fertility, climate and soil physical characteristics, while that of coconut was mainly fertility.Therefore, in optimizing and sustaining the soils for oil palm and coconut production, site specific fertilizer protocol should be developed and applied at the recommended rate for both oil palm and coconut. In addition, appropriate drainage should be considered in area with high flooding condition. Also, planting of cover crops and application of organic residue should be considered especially in area with sandy texture for oil palm. Furthermore, the study shows that oil palm and coconut can be adapted to a similar environment in terms of climatic and edaphic factors.