Assessing the Physico-Chemical Properties of Irrigated Soils for Sustainable Rice Production in Patigi Kwara State, Nigeria

This paper examines the physical and chemical properties of irrigated soils of a rice producing area in Kwara State with a view to identify the limiting soil physical and chemical properties whose proper management can enhance and increase rice yield to meet its demand in the country. Forty 100m x100m quadrats were demarcated from the 80hectares of irrigated rice field in Patigi, a total of 80 composite soil samples were randomly collected at 0-15cm (top soil) and 15-30cm ( Sub soil). The samples were treated and subjected to standard laboratory analysis using standard procedures. Sixteen physical and chemical soil elements that are essential in rice cultivation were analyzed. Coefficient of Variation (C.V), Analysis of Variance and Factor analysis (FA) were used to summarize the data. Factors with eigenvalues >1 were retained, and the factors after subjected to varimax rotation reduced the 17 analyzed soil properties to Five Factor Components (FCs). The result shows that Available Potassium and Water Holding Capacity fall within the medium group. This implies that their availability in balance proportions is essential to support sustainable rice cultivation. It was also revealed that the contents of sodium, Nitrogen and Bulk density fall within the low group. This implies that these properties limit rice growth in this area. The study recommends that soil parameters in the medium and low groups should be adequately managed for better and sustainable rice production in the study area and similar environment through properly management of irrigation system such that it allows regular water supply to the farmland and adequate and timely application of fertilizer; to prevent the soils from being less suitable for plant growth, either through chemical or physical changes.