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Soils of Obukiyo, Oju Local Government Area of Benue State were studied using the grid method of soil survey with a view to characterize, classify and evaluate their potentials for sustainable crop production. Four soil units were identified on the field based on soil colour, texture, surface characteristics, topography and depth to water table. Two pits were sunk in each soil unit, described and sampled for laboratory analysis. The soils were moderately deep to very deep ranging in depth from 160cm – 190cm. They were well drained to poorly drained and strongly acid to moderately alkaline in reaction (pH 4.1 – 7.8) with high base saturation. Based on these characteristics, the soils were classified as Arenic Paleustalfs/Aeric Lixisols (unit 1), Aeric Endoaqualfs/EndogleyicGleysols (Unit II), Ustic Epiaquerts/EpiclayicVertisols (Units III and IV)

The inland wetland soils of Obukiyo, Oju Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria were evaluated for the production of rice. The physical, chemical and morphological features of the soils were matched with the requirements of the crop (rice), and the overall suitability rating of the soils was obtained using limitation method. Unit 1 soils were rated as marginally suitable (S3) for rice production due to their drainage condition being ustic moisture regime. Units III and IV soils were considered moderately suitable (S2) on account of water availability and nutrient status while unit ll soils which occupied the lowest elevation with endo saturation and high clay content were rated as highly suitable (S1) for rice production.

Rice is an important annual crop in Nigeria. It is one of the major staples, which can provide a nation's population with the nationally required food. The objectives of this study were to characterize, classify and determine the suitability ratings of some soils of Rukubi for rainfed rice production. All the soil units were deep (150 -199 cm), unit III soils were well drained, while units I and II soils were somewhat poorly drained. The soils had textures ranging between sandy clay loam and clay loam. The soils were well structured (strong coarse sub-angular blocky). Soil reactions were slightly acid (pH 5.12 -7.15 in H2O). The organic carbon content of the soils were moderately low to high (1.03 -1.62 %) in the surfaces, while low in the sub-surface horizons (0.50 -1.60 %). The total nitrogen was low at the surface horizons and ranged between 0.01 and 0.16 %. The soils were dominated by Ca and Mg wit h values varying from 1.10 -4.021 cmol/kg and 0.05 -3.89 cmol/kg respectively. The available phosphorus was relatively high in the surfaces (4.10 -11.8 mg/kg), but, much lower in the sub-surfaces (14.15 -9.85 mg/kg). The percentage base saturation of the soil ranged from 47 % to 98 %. Based on the physical and chemical characteristics, the soils of unit I 1were classified as TypicEndoaquepts/ AndicFluvisols; unit II was classified as EutricEndoaquepts/ AndicCambisols and unit III as ArenicEndoaquepts/ EutricFluvisols. The characteristics of the soil units were compared with the land requirements for rice production. On suitability rating, all of the soil units highly suitable for rainfed rice production.