Characterization, classification and spatial . Variability of soils of the university of cape coast Wamaso research station

Abstract

Pedogenic information is of utmost importance in addressing food security issues and future projections of soils. The University of Cape Coast recently acquired 419 acres of land at Twifo Wamaso purposely for commercialization and research. For efficient utilization of the land, there is an urgent need to investigate the dynamism in soil physicochemical properties. This research was hypothesized that various topographic features and current , land uses potentially influence soil physical and chemical properties for producti ve use. The study was carried out in an area in Wamaso in order to map out some properties of soils and assess their variability within the area. A total of 290 composite soil samples (0 - 20 cm) were collected from the area by using five line transects which were 400 m apart. Collection of samples was done using a core cylinder. A portable global positioning system (Garmin 64st) was used to take coordinates of each sampling site. Soil properties (Ca, Mg, Na, K, Zn, Cu, Fe, clay, silt and sand) were further analysed in the laboratory. Classical statistics were used to describe the soil properties and geostatistical analysis was used to illustrate the spatial variability of the soil properties. The results indicated that within small or large scale, spatial dependencies of soil properties can be different. Maps were further generated by using the kriging tool. A topographic map of the area, was generated in the ArcGIS 10.7 environment. Five slope classes were considered with five pedons; one on each were opened, described, sampled (composite soils using the diagonal pattern) and analysed for morphological and physicochemical properties. In all, 18 composite soil samples from the individual pits. The results showed moderate to deep soils with drainage ranging from very poorly drained (PP4 and PP5) to well drained (PPI, PP2 and PP3). pH values obtained (4.8 - 5.1) revealed that the soils were strongly- moderately acidic. Organic C and exchangeable bases were low in all positions per required agriculture standards. The generated maps of soil properties that indicate soil nutrient status over the study area could be helpful for decision makers to enhance site specific nutrient management Soils will therefore require some level of amendments for optimum production.