Biophysical Properties of Selected Areas of Delta State and Their Suitability Assessment for Coconut, Raphia and Oil Palms Cultivation

Abstract

This study was conducted to provide information on the biophysical properties and Soil Suitability Assessment (SSA) of seven (Abbi, Agbor, Asaba, Bomadi, Ughelli, Sapele and Warri) locations in Delta state, Nigeria. Composite top and subsurface soil samples were obtained from 0-45 cm and 45-90 cm depths, air dried, sieved through a 2 mm sieve and analyzed for physical and chemical properties using standard laboratory methods. Mean values of the physical and chemical properties of the seven locations were compared and marched with the guidelines provided by FAO framework for rainfed agricultural crops and manual for land suitability evaluation of agricultural crops. The suitability class (aggregate suitability) was determined by most limiting characteristics of that parameter. Results indicated that three (3) out of the seven locations of Delta state are not suitable (N) for the cultivation of Oil palm with limitation being the sandy texture of sub soils. The locations are all however suitable for the cultivation of Coconut and Raphia palms. On aggregate basis, the locations are classified as N (not suitable) for the cultivation of the palms with limitation being the fertility status of the soils but can be corrected. Fertility measures to improve the soils of these locations in Delta state for the cultivation of these economic palms have been suggested.

Keywords: Biophysical properties, Coconut Palm, Oil Palm, Raphia palm, Soil Suitability Assessment (SSA).