Land Capability Classification of Soils Developed from Limestone Geological Formations in Cross River State, Nigeria
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Abstract
Soils developed from limestone formations in the humid tropics differ from similar soils in areas with limited rainfall. This research was carried out to investigate soils developed from limestone formations in the three agricultural zones (North, central and south) ofCross River State with respect to their capability classifications. Google satellite imageries of the areas underlain by
limestone were obtained. The slope map generated from the digital elevation models (DEMs) of the area was used to stratify the study area into eight mapping units (IH1, IH2, AI1, AI2, AI3, MF1, MF2, MF3) with two profile pits excavated in each of the units.Results revealed that IH1, AI1, AI2, MF1, MF2 soils were placed in class II. On the other hand, soils in the poorly drained
IH2, AI3 and MF3 were classified as class III or IV and variously limited by wetness, soil physical properties and fertility characteristics. In northern Cross River, 37.2 % were class II soils, while 61.7 % were class III and only 1.1 % qualified as class IV. For soils in Central Cross
River, 49 % were class II soils, 35.3 % class III and 15.7 % were classified as class IV soils, while in southern Cross River, 71.8 % of the soils qualified as class II, while 28.2 % qualified as class III soils. For a possible upgrade to class 1 soils, an intensive fertility evaluation of the soils
is recommended for a site-specific nutrient recommendation.
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