Towards Pineapple Production in Nigeria: A Land Suitability Evaluation Approach Using Parametric Model

• E.C. Basil

  Department of Soil Science and Land Management, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria.

  Author

• A.C.O. Uthman

  Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Nigeria

  Author

• J.A. Aderolu

  Department of Soil Science and Land Management, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria.

  Author

• B.A. Kadiri

  Department of Soil Science and Land Management, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria.

  Author

This study aims to enhance pineapple production in Nigeria by assessing land suitability using a parametric model. A Rigid Grid Survey method was used to determine the various mapping units on the land located at Agbetu in Odeda Local Government. Representative profile pits were dug at each mapping unit discovered and soil samples were collected for physical and chemical analyses using laboratory standard methods. The result was subjected to suitability evaluation using a parametric method. The result showed that the land currently was marginally suitable for pineapple cultivation and potentially highly suitable for pineapple. The limiting characteristic for the current suitability evaluation was the soil fertility and it was recommended that plant debris should be used as mulching while growing to reduce nutrient leaching since the soil is mostly sandy and fertilizer application is highly encouraged.

1. E.C. Basil, Department of Soil Science and Land Management, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria.

   Department of Soil Science and Land Management, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria.

2. A.C.O. Uthman, Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Nigeria

   Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Nigeria

3. J.A. Aderolu, Department of Soil Science and Land Management, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria.

   Department of Soil Science and Land Management, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria.

4. B.A. Kadiri, Department of Soil Science and Land Management, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria.

   Department of Soil Science and Land Management, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria.

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