Characterization, land capability and fertility classification of soils along Kpantinapu-Nukkai toposequence in Jalingo, Taraba State

The objective of this study was to characterize the soils of the study area, determine some soil properties and classify the soils according to USDA TaxonomicSystem. Coordinates of the Pedons were obtained using hand held GeographicPositioning System (GIS) and one (1) profile pit was dug at the upper, middle andlower slope respectively. Some soil physical and chemical properties were determined using standard laboratory procedures. The results shows that the physicalproperties at the upper slope were dominated by sand with mean values rangingfrom 50 to 87%. Clay content increased with increase in profile depth and withdecrease in slope along the toposequence (>35% clay). Soil pH were slightly acidto neutral across the slope and was statistically significant between the slopes.The soils had greater than 50% base saturation and were classified as Alfisols atthe order level. The soils were classified as Typic Plinthustalfs, Typic Paleustalfsand Vertic Halpustalfs at the upper, middle and lower slope respectively. Capability class showed class C3(IIIse) at the upper slope while the lower slope was C3(IIIws); and fertility class varied from moderately suitable (S2) to marginallysuitable (S3). In order to attain food security and enhance agricultural productivity and quality of life in the study area, close attention should be given to upperslope position to control the damaging effects of erosion and integrated nutrientmanagement should be employed to improve the soil fertility of the land