Geospatial assessment of wetland soils for rice production in Ajibode using geospatial techniques

Abstract

Wetlands played an important role in human development and nature nutrient store for rice cultivation. Spatial techniques have gained importance in monitoring wetland changes. The study aimed to assess wetland soils for rice production using spatial techniques. The area was sample using stratified grid sampling. Nutrient availability and rice suitability were assessed in ArcGIS 10.6 environment. The soil was characterized into Eutric fluvaquent (Soil Survey Staff, 2010) and correlated as fluvisols in the World Reference Base system. The results of the land cover changes showed that builtup, waterbody, and farmland have increased by 39, 18, and 29%, respectively, and 13% decrease was observed in vegetation. The study concluded that soils of the studied area varied from marginally (75%), not suitable (20%), and permanently not suitable (5%) for rice production. Therefore, without proper assessment and management of these studied soils, rice production will continue to be futile.