Assessment of Physicochemical Properties of Soil Samples from Farmlands in Benue State

Soil quality is a fundamental determinant of agricultural productivity, and understanding the physicochemical properties of agricultural soils is essential for formulating effective fertilisation and management strategies. This study assessed the physicochemical properties of soil samples collected from farmlands in three local government areas of Benue State, namely Makurdi, Gboko, and Otukpo. Soil cores were collected at two depths of 0 to 15 cm and 15 to 30 cm from a total of thirty sampling points. Parameters determined included soil pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon content, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, exchangeable cations, cation exchange capacity, texture, and bulk density. Organic carbon ranged from 0.8 to 2.1 percent, generally declining with depth, reflecting typical organic matter distribution patterns. Total nitrogen was low in most samples, ranging from 0.06 to 0.18 percent, indicating potential nitrogen deficiency. Available phosphorus was below the critical threshold of 15 mg/kg in 70 percent of samples. Soil pH ranged from 5.4 to 6.8 across the three locations, with more acidic profiles observed in Otukpo. Sandy loam and clay loam textures predominated. Exchangeable potassium and calcium were within moderate ranges. Cation exchange capacity varied from 8.2 to 19.6 cmol/kg. These findings reveal widespread nutrient deficiencies, particularly in nitrogen and phosphorus, across the surveyed farmlands. The study recommends the adoption of integrated soil fertility management practices combining inorganic fertilisers with organic amendments to improve crop yields sustainably in Benue State.

Keywords: soil physicochemical properties, farmland, Benue State, nutrient deficiency, soil fertility