Characterization and Classification of Soils at Federal University Dutse, Jigawa State, Northern Sudan Savanna of Nigeria

Abstract

Soil characterization provides information for assessing soil limitations and supporting sustainable land management in semi-arid environments. This study characterized three soil profiles (FUD-P1–FUD-P3) at Federal University Dutse, Jigawa State, Nigeria. Morphological descriptions and laboratory measurements were used to assess soil physical and chemical properties. The soils were predominantly loamy sand to sandy loam. Bulk density ranged from 1.19 to 1.68 Mg m⁻³, while pH (H₂O) ranged from 6.5 to 9.7. Electrical conductivity ranged from 0.01 to 0.47 dS m⁻¹, indicating non-saline conditions. Organic carbon and total nitrogen were generally low, whereas soil reaction differed markedly among pedons. Grey subsurface colours and a water table at approximately 84 cm in FUD-P2 suggest drainage limitations. FUD-P3 generally had higher clay content in its subsurface horizons than the other pedons. The soils were classified as Eutric Halplustents and correlated with Eutric Cambisols under the World Reference Base (WRB). Specific nutrient management, organic matter improvement and attention to drainage are important for sustainable soil use.