Suitability Evaluation of Lowland Soils of Dadinkowa for Rice Cultivation in Yamaltu Deba Local Government Area, Gombe State, North Eastern Nigeria

The study was carried out to examine the suitability of lowland soils of Dadinkowa Yamaltu Deba Local Government Area of Gombe State, North Eastern Nigeria for rice cultivation. Four profile pits were dug at the crest, middle slope, lower slope and valley bottom positions of the lowland soils. The soils morphological description were done in the field and thereafter samples were taken from each identified diagnostic horizon. Soil samples were analysed for soil pH, organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, exchangeable potassium, calcium, magnesium and cation exchange capacity using standard laboratory procedures. Soil properties were evaluated for all year rice cultivation using the FAO (1976) framework for land evaluation. The results indicate that soils were sandy clay loam and loams in texture. Soil reaction was slightly acidic to neutral (6.73 to 6.97), with low organic carbon (4.20 to 13.20 g/kg), low total nitrogen (0.53 to 0.88 g/kg), low available phosphorus (3.54 to 13.05 mg/kg), low exchangeable calcium and magnesium and a high potassium content. The four locations (pedons) were assessed not suitable (N1) for rice cultivation. The major limiting factors to rice cultivation were the low fertility status of the soil particularly organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus and exchangeable calcium and magnesium. The soils will be productive if farm yard manure and fertilizers containing nitrogen, available phosphorus, exchangeable calcium and magnesium are applied to correct the limitations to rice cultivation.