Description and Characterization of Soils Supporting Vitellaria Paradoxa (shea Tree ) in Different Geo - Ecology in Nigeria

Characterization of soils supporting shea tree in different Geo-ecology was carried out. This was done using the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI) descriptors for environment and site characterization adapted from FAO. The result indicates that the climate (Rainfall and Temperature) of the different geo-ecology has slight variation, but wide variations exist in the different locations in terms of topography, slope and general landform. However, there was a great similarity in vegetation in both locations but there was variation in the density and distribution of Vitellaria paradoxa in the different geo-ecology. Both locations have similar observable soil physical properties and parent materials, but the effective rooting depth is slightly deeper in Ofiki when compared with Konto-Karfi. However, there was no significant variation in chemical composition, as they are both Acresols and Rhousstalf.