Land Suitability Evaluation for the Production of Maize (zea Mays) and Groundnut (arachis Hypogaea L.) Using Parametric and Non - Parametric Methods in Mambilla Plateau, Nigeria

The study aimed to evaluate the land suitability for the production of maize (Zea mays) and groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) in selected soils of the Mambilla Plateau in Sardauna local government area in Taraba State Northeast, Nigeria. Land suitability for maize and groundnut production was evaluated both by the conventional (non-parametric) and parametric methods. A total of 12 pedons were dug to represent sampling units. Soil samples from the pedogenetic horizons of the pedons were collected after profile description, processed and analyzed in the laboratory. The result showed that the pedons were very deep (> 150 cm) except for pedon 3, which was shallow. The soil texture of the pedons varied from sandy clay loam, sandy loam, sandy clay, loamy sand and clay across the surface and sub-surface horizons. Soil pH was slight to strongly acidic, organic carbon varied from low to high, while, pedons’ available phosphorus and cation exchange capacity of the pedons varied from low to medium. Base saturation was rated high in the soils. The land suitability for maize and groundnut production was evaluated by conventional (non-parametric) and parametric methods. The suitability evaluation of the pedons shows that the soils of the entire Mambilla Plateau are marginally suitable (S3) for producing maize and groundnut, with climate and fertility being the major limiting factors.