SOIL SUITABILITY EVALUATION OF THE SOKOTO-RIMA FLOOD PLAINS FOR RICE PRODUCTION: IMPLICATIONS FOR FOOD SECURITY IN SOKOTO STATE, NIGERIA
Land evaluation analysis is necessary to achieve optimum utilization of land resources for sustainable crop production. The aim of this study was to assess the soil suitability evaluation of the Sokoto-Rima flood plains for rice production in Sokoto State, Nigeria and its implication for food security. Qualitative and quantitative land suitability evaluations were conducted on two selected floodplains (Kolkolawa and Nasarawa). Soil samples were collected from the surface soils at the depth of 0-30 cm from the two locations. The collected soil samples were analyzed for physical and chemical properties using standard laboratory procedures. The land requirements for rice production were compared with the soil characteristics of the floodplains to determine the soil suitability using the FAO land evaluation method. The results showed that the Kolkolawa floodplain is currently permanently not suitable (N2) for rice production due to low annual rainfall, organic carbon, and effective cation exchange capacity (8.66 and 19.7 for Kolkolawa and Nasarawa floodplains respectively). However, it was found to be marginally suitable (S3) for rice production potentially. The Nasarawa floodplain was found to be marginally suitable (S3) for rice production both currently and potentially due to low annual rainfall. The results further stated that the soils in the Kolkolawa floodplain could be considered for alternative uses since low rainfall renders it marginally suitable due to low rainfall (<800 mm) or water from the nearby river could be used to augment the low rainfall. The study recommended that both Kolkolawa and Nasarawa floodplains could be improved from marginally suitable (S3) to moderately suitable (S2) for rice production through an increase in organic matter to improve soil quality and drainage, thereby enhancing the fertility of the soils.
Keywords: Flood plain; Food security; Soil Suitability, and Rice production
