Study on Soil Morphology, Classification, Suitability and Capability Classes of Selected Arable Crops on a Toposequence in Adamawa State, Nigeria

The study on soil morphology, classification, suitability and capability classification was carried out on
Dabora-Yelwa toposequence with the view of improving soil management practices and increase the
productive capacity of the farmers of the study area. Soil sampling units were delineated using GIS
and the study area was categorized into 3 different slope positions on the toposequence and each
slope position was recognized as a sampling unit. Two soil types were identified and classified into
Typic Plinthustalfs (Yelwa and Sangba’a respectively) and Psammentic Paleudalfs (Dabora).
Generally, structural development increased along the slope from upper slope to the lower slope
position. Capability classification in the upper slope resulted in class C3 (IIIse) with limitations in
texture and erosion hazards while the soils at the lower slope resulted in class C2 (IIsw). Suitability
classification indicated that these soils were moderately suitable for sorghum at the upper slope while
maize was marginally suitable with limitation in drainage. Measures such as land leveling,
afforestation and use of cover crops will reduce the effect of erosion at the upper slope position.