ASSESSMENT OF SOIL PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES UNDER VEGETABLE CULTIVATION IN ABUJA METROPOLITAN AREA, NIGERIA.

Suleiman, R., Jimoh, I.A.* and Aliyu, J.

The physico-chemical properties of soils regulate nutrients supplied to plants. Their importance in nutrient supply to crops has to be continuously monitored to achieve optimum production of crops for sustainable development. This study aim to examine the physico-chemical properties of soils under vegetable cultivation in Abuja metropolitan area. Soil was sampled from five farmlands and one fallow land at different locations within the city. At each location, a quadrant of 15m by 12m was first demarcated and five soil samples were randomly selected. Composite surface (0-10cm) soil samples were taken over each sub-quadrant and analysed using standard methods. Quantitative data obtained from routine chemical analysis were subjected to statistical analysis. The results revealed that soil parameters showed significant variations among the different locations, except for available phosphorus. Texturally, the soils vary from sandy clay loam, sandy loam to sandy clay. Soil pH was slightly acidic to neutral (6.2-6.7), while organic matter and available phosphorous was low. Exchangeable Ca was rated medium, Mg and Na were rated medium to high while K was rated low to medium. Cation exchange capacity (5.78-8.18 cmol/kg) and % base saturation (69-82%) were medium. The soils were low in fertility and need the adoption of proper management practices in terms of organic and inorganic fertilizer application to resuscitate and sustain the soil fertility. Adequate monitoring of fertility status of the farm should also be carried out at regular intervals for sustainable production.

Key words: Abuja, Physico-chemical properties, Soils, Vegetables.