SUITABILITY ASSESSMENT OF SOILS FOR MAIZE (Zea mays) PRODUCTION IN A HUMID TROPICAL AREA OF SOUTH-WESTERN NIGERIA

The experiment was carried out in Akure (70 161 N, 50111E) , a humid zone of Southwestern Nigeria to evaluate the suitability of the soil for a long term production of maize and to have a detailed soil data base for effective land use planning. Critical nutrient requirements for maize were collected from past research work and compared with data obtained from field survey. The suitability assessment result showed that although certain qualities or characteristics such as mean annual temperature, relative humidity, topography, and base saturation were optimum for maize cultivation, there was no highly suitable (S1) land for maize cultivation in the area. Some sections in area were moderately suitable (S2). While other sections were marginally suitable (S3), the sections occupying the depressions were currently non-suitable (N1) for maize production. In order to raise the productivity level of the land to optimum performance for maize production, the management techniques should enhance the nutrient and moisture holding capacity of the soil. Such techniques should include; continuous application of organic fertilizers/materials to the soil, improved efficiency of use of mineral fertilizers and use of low levels of chemical inputs, putting up appropriate drainage facilities in place to take care of the poorly drained area of the land while provision of irrigation facilities would make dry season farming possible.