Evaluation of Soil Suitability for Oil Palm Expansion in Abia State, South East Nigeria

This study evaluates soil suitability for oil palm expansion in Abia State, located in Nigeria's South East geopolitical zone. Oil palm is the leading cash crop of Abia State and a major driver of rural household income, and state government expansion targets require systematic identification of suitable land to guide investment without encroaching on ecologically sensitive or highly productive food crop areas. Using the FAO framework for land evaluation and Sys oil palm land suitability criteria, a systematic evaluation was conducted across 90 observation points in Osisioma, Isuikwuato, and Ukwa West local government areas. Soil profiles were described and samples collected for texture, pH, organic carbon, cation exchange capacity, available phosphorus, drainage class, and Soil Scienceh to limiting layer. Climate data from NIMET and topographic slope data from SRTM DEM were integrated in the evaluation matrix. Suitability ratings were assigned as S1 (highly suitable), S2 (moderately suitable), S3 (marginally suitable), and N (unsuitable). Findings revealed that 42 percent of the evaluated area was classified as S1 or S2 for oil palm, characterised by deep, well-drained, medium-textured soils with adequate rainfall. Areas classified N (26%) were predominantly waterlogged valley bottoms and shallow, rocky soils on steep slopes. Soil acidity was a widespread constraint in S2 and S3 areas, requiring lime amendment before oil palm establishment. The study delivers a suitability classification map and management package for each suitability class as a technical input for Abia State oil palm expansion planning. Keywords: land suitability, oil palm, Abia State, soil evaluation, FAO framework.