Soil Fertility Analysis of Smallholder Farms in Bugaje and Kusa Villages of Jibia Local Government Area, Nigeria

Abstract

Fertility indices of physical and chemical properties of the soils of Bugaje and Kusa Villages of Jibia Local Government Area were investigated. Four samples (two from cultivated land and two from un-cultivated land) were collected using stratified random sampling. The samples were analyzed for Particle Size Distribution, pH, Organic Carbon, Total Nitrogen, Available Phosphorus and CEC. Findings revealed that the fertility indices investigated were very low and the percentage sand values of the cultivated were higher compared to that of the un-cultivated land, probably attributable to the effects of soil management over the years. Hence, soil fertility maintenance strategies should be adopted through appropriate practices and farming activities should be closely monitored in order to counteract possible future adverse changes.