Characterization and classification of soils of Janta area, Plateau State of Nigeria

The soils of Janta area were studied using the grid method of soil survey with a view to characterizing and classifying them and to evaluate their properties for sustainable rice production. The soils were found to have been formed from thick deposits of alluvium over the Namu shale formation. They are deep, poorly to very poorly drained with sandy clay loam surfaces over clay subsurfaces. The soils are slightly to moderately acidic in reaction and have high base saturation. Based on their characteristics the soils are classified as Vertic Epiaqualfs/Stagnic Lixisolsand Aeric Endoaqualfs/Gleyic Lixisols. These soils are considered highly suitable for swamp rice production on the basis of their characteristics. Nigerian Journal of Soil Science Vol. 15 2005: 116-12