Characterization and classification of soils of a paddy field in Badeggi, Niger State, Nigeria

This study was conducted with the aim of characterizing and classifying the soils of a paddy field in Badeggi Katcha local Government Area of Niger State. Two pedons were dug representing upper and lower slopes of the field and were designated as Badeggi 1 and 2 (BDG1 and BDG2) respectively. The pedons were described on the field following the FAO guidelines for soil description. Soil samples were collected from each identified natural horizons and taken to the laboratory for analysis. Results revealed that BDG1 had greyish brown (10YR 5/2) at the topmost horizon and light brownish grey (10YR 6/2) at the subsoil, while BDG2 had light brownish grey (10YR 6/2) overlying light grey (10YR 7/2) at subsoil. Sand content ranged from 840 to 860 g/kg in BDG 1 and 690 to 830 g/kg in BDG 2, silt ranged from 50 to 70 g/kg in BDG 1 and 90 to 210 g/kg in BDG 2 and clay ranged from 90 to 100 g/kg in BDG 1 and 80 to 100 g/kg in BDG 2. Soils from the two pedons were moderately to slightly acidic, low in organic carbon and available phosphorus, while total nitrogen was rated low to medium and irregularly distributed down the two profiles, but exchangeable Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium and Sodium were high across the study area. Using the USDA soil taxonomy system, the soils were classified as Plinthic Petraquepts (BDG 1) and Fluvaquentic Endoaquepts (BDG 2) which corresponded to Petric Plinthosols (Abruptic) and Fluvic Cambisols (Eutric) respectively, under World Reference Base for Soil Classification (WRB). The study has revealed that BDG1 is moderately well-drained while BDG2 is imperfectly drained. The soils are moderate to slightly acid with low inherent fertility as evidenced by low organic carbon, total nitrogen and available phosphorous. The soils were classified as Inceptisols at Soil Order level.