Characterization and Classification of Some Flood Plain Soils in the Southern Guinea Savannah of Nigeria

Soils of GidanTindi and Jangwa flood plains, Awe Local Government Area of Nassarawa State were studied using the reconnaissance method of soil survey with a view to characterized, classify and evaluate their potentials for sustainable crop production. The flood plain is a low-lying area found East of Awe Local Government Area, Guinea Savannah Zone of Nigeria. Six soil units were identified on the field based on soil colour, texture, surface characteristics, topography and depth to water table. Two pits were sunk in each soil unit, described and sampled for laboratory analysis. The soils were deep (120cm – 130cm) and well drained, poorly to very poorly drained. The soils were fine textured and strongly to moderately acidic and slightly alkaline in reaction (PH 4.01 – 7.15). The percentage sand fraction ranged from 30.9% to 86%; silt 5.4% to 18.4% and clay 8.6% to 58.1%. The hydraulic conductivity values ranged from 0.145ms to 2.145ms; bulk density values ranged 1.008mgm-3 and 1.575mgm, moisture content ranged between 30% and 39%; total porosity ranged from 10.06% to 16.4%. They had low to moderate organic carbon (0.01% to 2.88%); total N (0.02% to 0.25%); available P (1.64mglkg-1 to 4.89mg/kg-1), exchangeable bases (2.85cmol/kg-1 to 8.26cmol/kg-1), CEC (4.10cmol/kg-1 to 8.34cmol/kg-1), base saturation (53% to 97%) and Fe2+ (1.25-2.45). The soils were classified according to USDA soil taxonomy and FAO/WRB as VerticEpiaqualfs/StagnicLixisols (profiles 1,2,7,8) of GidanTindi and Jangwa, VerticEndoaqualfs/Stagniclixisols (profile 3,4,9,10) of GidanTindi andJangwa. (5,6) of GidanTindi and 11-12 of Jangwa;AericEndoaqualfs/Aericlixisols.