| Popis: |
The subhumid zone Alfisols of Nigeria are fragile, dominated by low‐activity clays, and have inherently moderate to low fertility status. Following intensive use of the soils for crop and livestock production, the soils are being degraded by soil erosion, drought, complete removal of both crop and residues, improper management practices, and overgrazing. The present investigation was aimed at defining the soil properties and arresting their continued degradation. The study area is located in the savanna zone, near Kaduna, Nigeria. The study involved a reconnaissance survey at which four soil units were delineated. Typical profiles were studied in detail, characterized in the field and in samples obtained for physical or chemical analysis. The upland soils (crest to upper, upper to middle, and middle to lower slope positions) have shallow Ap, sandy clay loam and clay loam texture, and are plinthic and mottled in the subsoil horizons. The valley basin soils are loam, have a moderately thick surface horizon,... |
