Providing Assessable Soil Information: A Case of the Land Potential Knowledge System (LandPKS) in Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

The extension-farmer ratio gap is at an all-time high with extension workers rarely equipped to provide farmers the needed information and tools to better manage their farm fields. Soil health is critical to achieving food security sustainably. Soil management practices will enable small holder farmers increase productivity amidst a changing climate and an increasing population which puts pressure on natural resources. The Land potential knowledge system (LandPKS version 3.77 for Android and 3.71 for iOS) mobile application was used for on- the- spot- assessment of soil potential at Agan council ward of Makurdi Local Government area (LGA) in Benue State. This pilot study entailed purposeful selection of 10 farmers and their farm fields in Agan council ward Makurdi LGA. The Land PKS is a new innovative technology that provide information on soils using mobile phones and also gives spatial data on land use, land capability classification and management. Chemical properties of the soil were read insitu with a sensor machine using the principle of internet of things (IOT) and some soil properties were analyzed for in a Soil laboratory. Findings here reported are location specific. Soils at the surface were mostly sandy while the subsurface varied from sandy clay loam to clay with moderate acidic and low nutrients (Nitrogen and Organic carbon). The LCC class for the area indicates limitations that can impact on agricultural productivity and the environment. The Land PKS mobile application will serve as a soil management tool for extension workers while providing data needed for making critical decisions on government bulk fertilizer purchases.