ABSTRACT:

Soil characterization involve soil data acquisition and interpretation for crop production. This study was carried out to determine the morphological, physical and chemical properties of soils along toposequences in Bekwarra Local Government Area. Satellite imagery of Anyikang in Bekwarra was obtained from google earth, and the contour map and four profile graphs generated in the ArcGIS 10.2.1.3 environment which represented four spatially identified toposequences. Along each of the four toposequences, one profile pit was dug in the crest, middle slope and lower slope positions. A total of 12 profile pits were therefore studied from which 48 soil samples were obtained. The soils were very deep (>150 cm) with Ap horizons exceeding 20 cm and characterized by various shades of red (7.5 YR 3/3), black (5YR 2.5/1) and brown (7.5YR 4/4) colours with loamy sand and sandy loam surface textures. Sand content exceeded silt and clay at abundance of over 25 % in all depths, with clear clay bulges in the B horizons. Bulk density was within tolerable range of 3 less than 1.6 Mg/m , while total porosity exceeded 30 % in all depths. Soil pH was within the range of 4.5 – 6.1, while organic carbon and available Pwere low to moderate in the entire studied soils. Low exchangeable Ca, K and Na and moderate Mg in the soils indicate active leaching process influencing the concentration of these bases, while exchangeable acidity was jointly caused by 3+ + exchangeable Al and H . The difficult-to-alter physical properties were relatively tolerable for crop production. The partly limiting chemical properties can easily be altered and managed for optimum crop production by the use of compost, plant residues and liming materials at recommended doses for optimum crop production.