Geospatial assessment of soil physicochemical properties in Kaita local government area of Katsina state-Northern Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the spatial distribution and variations of soil physicochemical properties in Kaita Local Government Area, Katsina State-Northern Nigeria. Soil samples were collected, air-dried, sieved to two (2) mm, and analyzed for pH, particle size distribution, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, organic carbon, and exchangeable potassium using standard laboratory techniques. Soil pH was measured potentiometrically in soil suspensions, particle size distribution was determined by hydrometer analysis following dispersion, and nutrient contents were quantified via Macro-Kjeldahl digestion, spectrophotometry, and flame photometry. Descriptive statistical parameters and spatial interpolation using Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) techniques with ArcGIS 10.8 were used enabled the visualization of soil physicochemical property distributions, with convergence indicated by a texture correlation coefficient (R²) of 0.53. The results revealed that a predominance of sandy soils (80–88%), moderate clay (6–12%) and silt contents (2–9%), and mildly acidic to neutral pH (6.4–7.3) respectively. While organic carbon levels were low (0.02–0.24%), phosphorus moderately distributed (14–35 ppm), and nitrogen markedly deficient in 97.5% of samples in the study area. The heterogeneity of physiochemical properties of the soil suggests that there is need for spatially targeted soil management practices. Recommendations include integrated soil management through organic amendments, fertilization, acidity correction, and conservation practices is significant for improving soil fertility and productivity; regular monitoring and geospatial tools are important for managing variability and ensuring sustainable agriculture in the study area.