SUITABILITY ASSESSMENT OF SELECTED FLOODPLAINS IN JALINGO, TARABA STATE NIGERIA FOR SUGARCANE (Saccharum officinarum L) PRODUCTION

Abstract

The study was carried out in Jalingo area of Taraba State, Nigeria with the sole aim of assessing the suitability of floodplains of Jalingo area for sugarcane production.  Five floodplains considered were: Angwan Karofi, Mayo-gwoi, Nukkai, Old Magami and Sabon gari. Three composite soil samples were collected each at 0 – 15 and 15 – 30 cm depth in each of the floodplain areas to determine their physical and chemical properties. The results showed that soils of the floodplain areas were generally clay loam (36.40, 46.80 and 46.40 % of sand, silt and clay) with moderate porosity (43.66 %), bulk density (1.66 %) and high-water holding capacity (83.70 %). The chemical properties of the soil showed that pH is slightly acidic to neutral (6.47 – 7.65), moderate organic matter (2.97 %), Medium Nitrogen (0.22 – 0.70%), Moderate Magnesium (2.42 – 3.11cmol/kg) and Moderate CEC (17.73 cmol/kg). The results of the soil properties across the various floodplain locations were compared individually with the standard suitability ratings for sugarcane production where the soil suitability was identified as marginally suitable (Ms). The limiting factors identified for sugarcane production were OM, N, K and Mg. From the result of the study, it could be observed that effective management of these soils will require the application of N, P and K fertilizers and dolomitic lime or magnesium oxide to curb the limiting factors of N, P, K and Mg respectively for the production of sugarcane in the study area. Growing of sugarcane are recommended within the study areas since the soil conditions are moderately suitable with minimal constraints.