Morphogenesis, physico-chemical properties, mineralogical composition and nature of parent materials of some alluvial soils of the Lower Niger River plain, Nigeria

Nine pedons of alluvial origin in the Lower Niger River floodplains Nigeria were examined for morphogenesis, physicochemical properties, mineralogical composition, and heterogeneity parent materials. The soils stratified with redoximorphic features observed different layers reaching A-horizon subsurface grayization. Soils that received annual enrichment found to be structurally weak while others moderately strong. Soil characteristics showed varying degrees source materials hydromorphism, moulding morphogenesis gleization as major soil-forming processes. Silt loam was predominant soil texture except ELM3 TFN3 dominated by sandy loamy sand textures. strongly acid neutral [pH (H2O), 4.94 – 7.00], having very low medium organic matter (0.13 4.02 %), high K (0.10 2.13 cmol/kg). Quartz identified mineral phases followed kaolinite, indicating dominance activity clays ferromagnesian minerals presence. presence several K-bearing (micas feldspars) suggest pool could naturally replenished. Textural diversity between SMUs is ascribed sources water-borne sediments flow rate floodwater at time deposition Organic carbon distribution patterns indicated stratification Wetness, flooding, chemical physical fertility constraints increased sustainable crop production floodplain soils.