Assessment of Soil pH and Micronutrient Availability for Vegetable Production in Adamawa State Fadama Soils

Fadama soils, found along river floodplains in North East Nigeria, support year-round vegetable production in Adamawa State, serving as critical horticulture production zones for the region. However, variations in soil pH and micronutrient availability in these floodplain soils can significantly limit crop productivity and nutritional quality. This study assesses the soil pH, organic matter content, and availability of key micronutrients including iron, zinc, manganese, and boron in fadama soils across three vegetable production clusters in Adamawa State. Soil samples were collected at two depths (0-15 cm and 15-30 cm) from 60 geo-referenced sampling points and analyzed using standard laboratory methods. Geostatistical analysis was used to map spatial variability. Results indicate that soil pH in the study area ranges from 5.8 to 7.2, with zinc deficiency detected in 45 percent of sampling points, particularly in the upper soil layer. Iron and manganese availability were generally adequate across most sites. Organic matter content was low in sites under intensive vegetable cultivation without organic matter replenishment. The study recommends targeted micronutrient supplementation, particularly zinc, and regular organic matter application to maintain fadama soil productivity for sustained vegetable production in Adamawa State. Keywords: fadama soils, soil pH, micronutrients, vegetable production, Adamawa State