Evaluating the potential of underdeveloped land for rice production in sub-saharan africa-a case study of floodplains in the Northern Region of Ghana, West Africa

Abstract

This study aimed to identify suitable areas for rice cultivation by evaluating the soil characteristics of underdeveloped land in Sub-Saharan Africa. Two transect lines were set on the Zaw floodplain (ZFP) along the White Volta River in the Northern Region of Ghana for a detailed survey on land types and soil sampling. Land types identified along the transect lines were upland (U), lowland grass (Lg), lowland shallow swamp (Lss), and lowland deep swamp (Lds). The soil texture for U, Lg, and Lss was classified as silt loam (SiL), while Lds was classified as silty clay loam (SiCL). Soil pH (H2O) was above 6 for U and Lg, and below 6 for Lss and Lds. Extractable S and available Zn were significantly greater in Lds than in other land types. Available Cu, Mn, Ni, and total nitrogen (T-N) were significantly lower in U, and total carbon (T-C) was significantly greater in Lds than in other land types. Factor analysis indicated that Lds had better soil fertility and sulfur availability than other land types. However, it seemed unsuitable for rice production due to deep water depth during the rainy season. Although Lss seemed to be relatively less suitable than Lds due to low soil fertility and low sulfur availability, the water depth in Lss was not as deep as in Lds. Access to a water source was easier in Lss than in Lg; thus, the Lss land type was considered comparatively suitable land for rice production in the study area. Nevertheless, the result implies that soil fertility and sulfur could be constraints, thereby requiring the proper application of fertilizer.