Soil Suitability Assessment for Sustainable Rice Production

Rice requires adequate supply of soil nutrients to achieve the high yields necessary to feed the growing population of most countries today. Rice a staple food in Nigeria has been experiencing decrease in yield over the years. This book assessed the physico-chemical properties of soils with a view to identifying limiting soil properties whose proper management can enhance improved rice yield. The study specifically focuses on (i) examining the variability and inter-relationship among soil physico-chemical properties within rice fields; (ii) examining the fertility status of rice farms to identify limiting properties of soil; (iii) establishing relationships between soil properties and rice yield; (iv) identifying farmers’ soil management practices for rice cultivation; (v) evaluating the impact of soil management techniques on rice yield; and (vi) developing geo-database for managing and monitoring soil suitability. Sixteen soil properties that are essential for rice cultivation were analyzed.