Evaluation of soil health characteristics suitable for yam cultivation in Zaki-Biam, Benue State, Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25081/jsa.2026.v10.9715Keywords:
Soil Health, Yam, Salinity, Cultivation, Characteristics, Benue StateAbstract
Soil salinity and sodicity are basic processes that characterize the suitability of soil conditions for plant growth. The soil conditions can be attributed to natural conditions such as climate, lithology, topography and pedology or anthropogenic activities such as mining, release of industrial waste, smelting of iron, incineration of fossil fuels and agricultural land use particularly irrigation agriculture. The presence of salts and sodium in high proportions in the root zone of growing crops hinders plant roots from withdrawing water from surrounding soils because it lowers the amount of water available to the plant, regardless of the amount of water present in the root zone. The objective of this study was to assess the soil health characteristics in the Zaki-Biam Area of Benue State, known for extensive yam farming. Five cultivated Yam farms (A-E) were selected at the Mbamena axis in Zaki-Biam. Soil samples were collected at a depth of 0 to 15 cm during the rainy season for three months (July-September). The physical proper ties of soil such as texture, bulk density, porosity, moisture content, organic matter or content and soil colour were analyzed. Chemical properties of soil, pH, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sodium, Magnesium, Calcium, Cation exchange capacity (CEC), Exchangeable acidity (EA), Exchangeable base (EB), and electrical conductivity were also analyzed. The study revealed that sites A, D and E were sandy loam, while site B and C were clay loam. Physical characteristics of porosity, moisture content, and organic carbon were abundant in sites A, D and E than in site B and C. Chemical characteristics of pH, Nitrogen, potassium and percentage base saturation were moderate for sites and E. These soils class fall under ‘very good’ for the effective growth and yield of yams. Soil salinity concentrations were found to have ranged between 2.00 dS/m to 3.50 ds/m, a range rated as good for effective growth of yams. Sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) ranged between 8.00 to 12.99, which is suitable for the growth of tuber crops. Both soil salinity and SAR in Zaki-Biam soils are favourable for yam cultivation. It is recommended that farmers identify the early symptoms of salt-affected soils so as to make appropriate treatment to land and water (in case of irrigation) as well as knowing the crops to grow during rainy and irrigation seasons.
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