Soil Nutrient Status of Smallholder Farmers in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria

Soil nutrient depletion is a major threat to food security globally. The fertility status of soil forms the foundation of crop production in many small holder farm fields as nutrient element additions as inorganic, synthetic or organic fertilizers are low. Soils from small holder farmer fields were sampled individually with three (3) samples per the farmers field by three (3) depths of 0-30cm, 30-60 cm and 60-90cm with a population of thirty (30) farmers per council ward by three (3 )council wards only in ten (10) local government area (LGAs)) of Benue state. This paper reports for one (1) local government area - Makurdi, and one (1) depth, the topsoil (0-30cm). The study was to ascertain their nutrient status in three states in Nigeria with the creation of the first- ever digitalized and interactive nutrient elements and soil productivity index maps. We report findings for the soil nutrient status of the topsoils for Benue State as a digitalized map see link https://rb.gy/yfnz2m with focus on Makurdi local government area (LGA). The soil samples collected were geo-referenced and analyzed both insitu and in the laboratory following recommended standards for each nutrient element to define the soil nutrient status and critical limit for maize production. Generally, soils were sandy loam at the surface (0-30cm) while it was sandy clay loam at lower depths of 60cm and 90cm. The soils had moderate acidity with low to moderate levels of nutrients. The low nutrient status of the soil key nutrients of Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, underscores the need for improved soil management practices. These findings, supports a transition from current country wide fertilizer recommendation to site -specific nutrient management. New findings reported here are location specific and will aid in the curbing of greenhouse gases emissions for a healthier planet as well as increased productivity.