Spatial Distribution of Soil Moisture for Arable Crop Production in Selected Locations in Southern Nigeria

Purpose: The study investigated spatial variability of soil moisture in soils of Southern Nigeria for arable crop production in order to cushion the effect of drought on crops Some of the crops grown during the planting season experiences drought.
Research Method: Auger soil samples were collected, bulked at 0-15cm and 15-30 cm depths in selected locations in Akwa Ibom, Imo and Rivers states of Southern Nigeria. Core samples were also collected for determinations of bulk density, gravimetric soil moisture and permeability characteristics of soils. The average values were presented as map.
Findings and Values: Soil colour indicated reduction reactions. Soil structural grade showed weak to moderate structures while fine to very fine classes dominated. Sand-sized particles dominated over other particle sizes and ranged from 800 to 910 g/kg. At the depth of 0-15cm, soil moisture ranged from 3.52 to 18.3% (dry season) and from 10.99 to 22.87% (rainy season). At 15-30cm depth, soil moisture varied from 4.69 to 19.70% (dry season) and from 12.66 to 31.49%. (rainy season). The map revealed that soils of Ngor Okpala in Imo State had the least average moisture content during the rainy season. Soil Sampling was limited to the depths of 0 to 30cm and these results may not be applicable to crops that exceed this rooting depth. This research exposes adverse soil moisture changes spatially capable of reducing crop production in soils of Southern Nigeria.