Variation in Soil Properties on Cassava Production in the Coastal Area of Southern Cross River State, Nigeria

This study aimed at identifying the major soil properties determining cassava production. The soil profile pits were dug along the catena. In each of the profile, soil samples were collected at each horizon based on the number of horizon(s) in the profile. Soil samples collected were air-dried, grinded and sieved prior to routine laboratory analysis. In addition, an estimated area of 10,000m2 cassava plot was gridded into 10m2 cells and 10 plots randomly selected for vegetative and yield analysis of cassava. The relationship between vegetative and yield parameters of the crops were related to the soil properties using Pearson’s product Moment Correlation and Multiple regression analytical techniques. The results revealed that sand fraction are high with means of 88.16% and 81.98% surface and subsurface soils in the area. The soils are acid (pH range, 5.0-5.8) with low mean values of 5.25, effective CEC (6.41-6.33 cmol/kg-1), organic matter (0.34-4.80 percent), total Nitrogen (0.10-0.45%). The soil pH, organic matter, exchangeable K, effective CEC, exchange acidity, total nitrogen and pore space with multiple correlation coefficient (R) values of 0.51, 0.51, 0.50, 0.66, 0.63, 0.60, and 0.85 respectively, most strongly influenced cassava yield in the study area. The soil could be made productive in terms of crop cultivation if proper management system is advocated.