Soil Survey and Land Classification for Small-Scale Irrigation Development in Yola Area, Adamawa State, North East Nigeria

This study conducts a professional soil survey and land classification for proposed small-scale irrigation development in the Yola area of Adamawa State, located in Nigeria's North East geopolitical zone. Access to small-scale irrigation is a key strategy for improving food security and rural income in Adamawa State, and systematic soil survey and land classification are prerequisites for ensuring that irrigation investments are placed on soils capable of sustained productive use. Using the FAO framework for land evaluation, a detailed semi-detailed soil survey was conducted across 1,200 hectares of the proposed development area in Yola North and Girei local government areas. Soil observation points were established at 200-metre intervals, with profile pits at key mapping units. Soils were classified to family level under the FAO World Reference Base system. Land qualities assessed for irrigation suitability included available water capacity, rooting Soil Scienceh, drainage, texture, pH, organic carbon, salinity, and topographic slope. Land suitability classes were assigned for irrigated rice, sorghum, and vegetables. Findings revealed five major soil mapping units, of which approximately 55 percent of the survey area was classified as highly suitable (S1) or moderately suitable (S2) for irrigated sorghum and vegetables. Clay alluvial soils near the Benue River were best suited for irrigated rice. Areas classified as unsuitable were predominantly shallow, stony soils on dissected slopes unsuitable for water retention. The study delivers soil maps, suitability classification tables, and site-specific management recommendations as a technical foundation for Adamawa State irrigation investment decisions. Keywords: soil survey, land classification, irrigation, Adamawa State, land suitability.