African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 6 (24), pp. 2803-2806, 17 December 2007   

ISSN 1684–5315 © 2007 Academic Journals        

Full Length Research Paper

Spatial distribution of N, P and K in major yam soils of southeastern Nigeria

G. O. Chukwu¹, M. I. S. Ezenwa², A. O. Osunde² and R. Asiedu³

¹National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike P.M.B.7006, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria.

²Department of Soil Science, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State, Nigeria.

³International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan, Nigeria.

*Corresponding authors E-mail: goddychukwu2003@yahoo.com.

Accepted 25 January, 2007

Pedometrics, the application of numerical techniques to describe soil attributes and enhance objectivity in soil-related decision making, was applied to soil samples from 149 geo-referenced locations in yam growing area of southeastern Nigeria. Geostatistical technique was applied using Krigin to estimate soil parameters from unsampled sites. Results revealed multi-nutrient deficiencies of N, P, and K in the area. The magnitude of deficiency is N > K > P. Pragmatically, 4.19, 2.59 and 1.76 m ha are deficient in total N, exchangeable K and available P, respectively. This could guide soil nutrient management decision for sustainable yam production in the area.

Key words: Pedometrics, geostatistics, krigin, primary nutrients, southeastern Nigeria.