An assessment of alluvial soils along the bank of river Niger at Ugbolu for dry season cropping

Abstract

The study evaluated the agronomic potential of alluvial soils along the River Niger plains at Ugbolu for dry-season cropping. A comparative field experiment was conducted for 12 months to assess soil properties, fertility status, and crop performance. Floodplain soils at Ugbolu were compared with upland soils at Anwai using yam (Dioscorea spp.) and cassava (Manihot esculenta) as test crops under irrigation. Soil analyses covered pH, organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and moisture content. Results showed that Ugbolu soils were loam-textured with moderate bulk density (1.32 g/cm³), high porosity (49.8%), and near-neutral pH (6.5). Nutrient concentrations were higher than those at Anwai, leading to higher yields of 18.7 t/ha for yam and 23.6 t/ha for cassava, compared with 12.4 t/ha and 16.8 t/ha at Anwai. Statistical analysis indicated significant differences between sites (p < 0.001) and strong nutrient-yield correlations (r>0.92). The findings show that Ugbolu’s alluvial soils possess favourable physical and chemical characteristics that support intensive dry-season cropping. These results provide scientific evidence for sustainable land-use planning and soil management in the Niger floodplain. Policy efforts should focus on expanding irrigation-based farming, encouraging organic nutrient management, and protecting alluvial floodplains from non-agricultural activities to enhance food production in southern Nigeria.