The basaltic soils of SE Nigeria: properties, classification and constraints to productivity

Abstract

SUMMARY Four basaltic profiles located in northern Cross River State of Nigeria are described and characterized. The soils are classified as Typic Tropohumult and show strong acidity, low effective CEC, low N and available P. Organic matter levels of the surface soils are high. All the soils are well drained in spite of high YO clay, which is apparently kaolinitic, with moderate to high A1 saturation. Higher agricultural productivity of these soils is restricted by low effective CEC and strong acidity. Measures to combat these problems are suggested.