Institute of Agriculture Research and Training, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ibadan, Nigeria
Ande, O.T., Institute of Agriculture Research and Training, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ibadan, Nigeria
The experiment was carried out at Ilaju village in the derived savanna area of South Western Nigeria to evaluate the suitability of the soil for long term cassava production in order to extrapolate to similar soils in the region. Critical nutrient requirement for cassava were collected from past research works. Soil survey was done which on the area to collect soil samples which were analysed and compared with the critical nutrient levels. Three soil series were identified which are Apomu, Gbemi and Matako series. These were classified as Dystric arenosols, Plinthic Ferrasols and Dystric Fluvisols, respectively. The suitability evaluation shows that Dystric arenosols is moderately suitable due to its low nutrient with CEC of 3.92 cmol kg1. The Plinthic Ferrasols is marginally suitable because of its high gravel content and shallow depth (39 cm). Dystric Fluvisols is not suitable due to its seasonal high water table and low CEC (3.48 cmol kg1). Soil management recommendation includes use of organic fertilizer, mulching and leguminous cover cops to enhance soil quality. © 2011 Academic Journals Inc.