Characterization and Classification of the Soils of Bukuru - Jos, North Central Nigeria

Twelve profile pits were sunk, four in each of the three locations of Bukuru, the study area. Proper soil profile description was done and recorded to obtain field characterization data after which thirty-six soil samples were collected from all the genetic horizons for soil characterization. Bukuru soils showed higher sand fraction (71%) than silt (12%) and clay (17%) at the topsoil but showed increased clay content at the subsoil. While Gyel and Fwarti locations soils were sandy loam, Rabi location soil was sandy clay loam. Soil pH, Organic carbon (Org. C), Total Nitrogen (Total N), and Available phosphorus (Avail. P) were 6.2, 6.3 gkg-1, 1.9 gkg-1 and 4.82 mgkg-1respectively and were graded low. Exchangeable bases were dominated by Ca2+ and Mg2+. Sodium (Na+), Potassium (K+), Calcium (Ca) and Magnesium (Mg) were 0.24 cmolkg-1, 0.06 cmolkg-1, 15.7 cmolkg-1 and 2.60 cmolkg-1 respectively. While Na+ and K+ were graded low, Ca2+ and Mg2+ were graded high. Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) was 18.82 cmolkg-1, and was graded high. All the soil samples analysed showed high percentage base saturation (PBS), above 90%. The low values of Org. C, Total N, Na and K and the characteristic sandiness of Bukuru soils in the surface horizon indicated the low fertility status of Bukuru soils. Bukuru soils were classified using the Keys to Soil taxonomy of the USDA as “Typic isothermic kandic ustalfs”. This was correlated to “Lixisols” in the World Reference Base (WRB) of FAO at a higher level and "Rhodic/Chromic" as a principal qualifier. .