Characterisation of Floodplain Soils for Agricultural Potential in Borno State, North East Nigeria

This study characterises the morphological, physical, and chemical properties of floodplain soils (fadama soils) along the Ngadda River in Borno State, located in Nigeria's North East geopolitical zone, with the aim of assessing their agricultural potential for dry-season crop production. Floodplain soils in the semi-arid North East represent some of the most agriculturally productive land available to communities affected by the insecurity-driven displacement of highland farming, making their systematic characterisation critical for agricultural development planning. Using a soil survey design, five representative profile pits were excavated at different positions within the Ngadda floodplain in Konduga local government area. Full morphological descriptions were made in the field, and samples from each horizon were analysed for particle size distribution, pH, organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, exchangeable cations, cation exchange capacity, and electrical conductivity. Findings revealed predominantly clay loam to clay textures with high water-holding capacity. Organic carbon ranged from 1.2 to 2.8 percent, higher than surrounding upland soils, reflecting alluvial organic matter accumulation. pH was near-neutral (6.5 to 7.2), favourable for a wide range of crops. Electrical conductivity was below 2 dS/m in all profiles, indicating no current salinity hazard. The soils were classified as Fluvisols under the FAO system. Despite their high fertility potential, the shallow impermeable clay subsoil limits deep root penetration. The study recommends raised-bed cultivation for vegetables and irrigation scheduling calibrated to the soil's high water-holding capacity for optimised dry-season production. Keywords: floodplain soils, fadama, agricultural potential, Borno State, soil characterisation.