PEDOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION AND CLASSIFICATION OF SOILS AT LAUTECH ISEYIN CAMPUS, OYO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

A detailed pedological study was conducted at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Iseyin Campus to characterize, classify, and evaluate the soils for potential agricultural use. Eight representative pedons were described, and samples were analyzed for physicochemical
properties following standard methods. The soils were moderately deep to deep, with textures varying from sandy loam to sandy clay loam. Soil pH ranged from 5.7 to 6.8, indicating slightly acidic to nearneutral conditions. Organic carbon ranged from 1.32 to 3.11%, while cation exchange capacity (CEC) varied between 3.2 and 10.6 cmol/kg. Base saturation ranged from 48 to 70%, and exchangeable Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, K⁺, and Na⁺ were generally low to moderate. Morphologically, all pedons exhibited argillic horizons with evidence of clay illuviation, cutans, and Fe mottles, signifying active pedogenesis under alternating wet and dry conditions. Based on the USDA Soil Taxonomy, the soils were classified as Typic Kandiustults, Typic Haplustalfs, Acric Kandiudults, and Dystric Cambisols, corresponding to Lixisols, Acrisols, and Cambisols under the WRB system. The study concludes that the soils are
moderately developed Alfisols and Ultisols, possessing low fertility potential and requiring management interventions such as organic matter addition, liming, and erosion control for sustainable crop production.