ABSTRACT

  A research study of MOUAU oil palm plantation in South Eastern Nigeria was conducted to characterize, classify and evaluate the capability of land for oil palm  Three representative soil units were established, studied, described and classified according to the g uideline of the USDA Soil Classification System and correlated with the FAOIUNESCO Soil Map' of the World Legend. Samples were collected in each of the identified soil units and analyzed in the laboratory using standard techniques. They were characterized by their colours which vary from very dark greyish brown (IOYR3/2) to dark greyisl brown (2.5Y4!2) at the surface and light brownish grey (2.5Y6/2) to pinkish grey (5YR612) at the subsurface soil. The soils are moderately acidic to very strongly acid (pH 4.9-5.6) and have low to very high base saturation (3 5-83.90%). Organic carbon contents are moderate to high (0.46-1.85%) and this decrease with depth, whereas total nitrogen contents are low to high(0.O 1-1.12). Available phosphorus is low to moderate (5.75-11 .Ooinkg while cation exchange capacity values are low to moderate (3.30-8.91 Cmolkg ').Exchangeable cations are very low (0.80-3.60 CmoIkg for Ca, very low to low (0.40-1.60 Cmolkg 1 ) for Mg, very low to moderate (0.09-0.80 Crnolg 1 ) for Fe and very low to moderate (0.13-0.39 cmo1kg) for Na. Saturated hydraulic conductivity is low to very high (0.73-39.10), whereas bulk density values ranges from (0.95-1.50 g/cm3).Available micronutrients are adequate (2.10-6.50 mgkg1) for Zn ,deficient to adequate (1.50-4.12 mgkg') for Zn, deficient to adequate (3.50-4.12 rngkg') for Mn, deficient to adequate (3.40-6.50 rngkg 1 ) for Fe, and deficient (0.70-1.05 mgkg) for Cu. Soil organic matter, pH and clay content had the greatest influence on micronutrient level in the soil of the study area. Based on their characteristics, the soils are classified as Typic Epiaquepts (USDA Soil Taxonomy),correlated approximately to Gleyic Cambisol (FAQ/UNESCO) Soil Map of The World Legend. The results indicated that the soil is not suitable for oil palm cultivation due to high level of water table and flooding which affects oil palm root adversely while the chemical properties can be improved by addition of appropriate fertilizers.