TEMPORAL ASSESSMENT OF SOIL FERTILITY FOR CROP CULTIVATION IN NORTHERN, KATSINA STATE, NIGERIA

<p><strong>Purpose:</strong> Soil is a natural body from which almost all the needs of man are derived. A temporal assessment from 2011 to 2024 was conducted on soil fertility for crop cultivation in Northern Katsina State, Nigeria. The aim of the study is to assess soil physical and chemical properties.</p><p><strong>Design/Methodology/Approach:</strong> Composite soil sampling methods were adopted for the collection of soil samples between the depths of 0–15 cm. Soil samples were collected from sampled farmlands under crop cultivation and from control areas, and were tested for selected physical and chemical properties.</p><p><strong>Findings:</strong> The results revealed soil properties with average values of clay (13.85%), pH (7.10), organic carbon (1.90%), total nitrogen (0.090%), phosphorus (P) (2.19 ppm), potassium (K) (0.77 cmol/kg), calcium (Ca) (8.01 cmol/kg), magnesium (Mg) (3.57 cmol/kg), and cation exchange capacity (CEC) (2.89 cmol/kg). Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) showed that the calculated F-value (0.012) was less than the table value (2.0), indicating no significant variation among the soil samples. The study also showed that sample D had higher values of clay (16.04%) and Mg (4.02 cmol/kg) compared to other sampled areas.</p><p><strong>Research Limitation/Implication:</strong> The findings indicate that soil fertility is at a low level and clearly demonstrate the influence of human activities. The 2024 results were higher than the 2011 average values of clay (1.34%), organic carbon (0.00%), total nitrogen (0.006%), potassium (0.92 cmol/kg), calcium (3.68 cmol/kg), and magnesium (3.16 cmol/kg), reflecting changes in soil properties over time due to anthropogenic activities.</p><p><strong>Practical Implication:</strong> The area is recommended for millet cultivation and selected crops in other parts of the region. Recommended crops include tomato, sorghum, and vegetables. The integration of organic and inorganic fertilizers, along with improvements in traditional fertility management practices, should be maintained to enhance soil productivity.</p>