Nigeria

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The most systematic current information on Nigeria soils is based on the reconnaissance soil survey of Nigeria Project (scale 1:250,000) whose field work was completed in 1985. The report was published in 1990.

The soil map is in 39 Sheets at the scale of 1: 650,000. The soil mapping units are soil associations. These are groups of geographically associated soils which cannot be separated at small scales of soil survey. In all, 58 soil mapping units were delineated throughout the country based on three broad ecological zones, twenty four braod geomorphic units as well as parent materials. The soil mapping units are numbered from 1a to 24b all totalling 58.

The Soil Map of Nigeria Project reports covering the, field survey and soil analyses are presented in four volumes:

1. Volume 1, comprising Kano, Bauchi, Borno and Gongola States and making up sheets 2, 3 and 6.
2. Volume 2, comprising Sokoto, Kaduna, Katsina, Plateau, Niger, Kwara, Kano the Federal Capital Territory and making up sheets 1, 4 and 5.
3. Volume 3, comprising Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo and Bendel States making up map sheet 7.
4. Volume 4, comprising Rivers, Akwa lbom, Cross River, Imo, Anambra and Benue States and making up map sheet 8.

In each report is a full description of the mapping units and the typical soils associated with them. The soil profiles were presented with both USDA and FAO classifications. The maps and the reports are obtainable from:

Federal Department of Agricultural Land Resources,
Federal Ministry of Agriculture,
Area 11, Garki, Abuja.