Land Evaluation and Management of Two Wetland Soils for Rice Production in Nigeria.

Abstract:

Nigeria's rapidly growing population has increased pressure on land use. The demand for food has risen geometrically, alongside the growing need for essential infrastructure and basic amenities. Consequently, the competition for land to meet these needs has led to the loss of fertile soils. Land evaluation, which involves assessing land performance for a specific use, aims to ensure that land is allocated appropriately and sustainably. This study was conducted to evaluate the performance of two wetland soils and determine appropriate soil management strategies for lowland rice production. The experiment was carried out at two locations: the Teaching and Research Farm, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Ikole-Ekiti (Location 1), and the Ondo State Ministry of Agriculture, Ikare Zonal Office (Location 2). Soil morphological and chemical properties were analyzed for land suitability evaluation. The results revealed that both locations were currently not suitable for lowland rice cultivation. However, with proper soil management, specifically improved drainage, the application of fertilizers containing nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), and the adoption of appropriate conservation tillage, the sites could be upgraded to marginally or moderately suitable for lowland rice production.