Abstract
Wetland soils play a critical role in supporting irrigated agriculture by providing favourable physical conditions, nutrient reserves, and moisture for crop production. However, comprehensive assessments of their physicochemical properties remain limited in north-eastern Nigeria. This study evaluated the physicochemical characteristics of soils in the Lake Ruma Wetland and assessed their suitability for sustainable irrigation agriculture. Composite soil samples were collected during the 2024 field survey and analysed using standard laboratory methods. Physical properties (particle-size distribution, bulk density, particle density, and porosity) and chemical properties (pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon, organic matter, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, cation exchange capacity, exchangeable bases, and total exchangeable acidity) were determined and interpreted using internationally accepted soil fertility and land evaluation standards. The soils were predominantly loam, silt loam, and clay loam, with a mean bulk density of 1.13 g cm⁻³ and porosity of 68.57%, indicating favourable conditions for root growth and water retention. Soil pH averaged 6.61, while electrical conductivity remained low (0.16 dS m⁻¹), confirming non-saline conditions suitable for irrigation. Organic carbon (1.31 g kg⁻¹) and total nitrogen (0.14 g kg⁻¹) were relatively low, whereas available phosphorus (39.75 mg kg⁻¹) and cation exchange capacity (10.77 cmol(+) kg⁻¹) indicated moderate nutrient retention capacity. The results demonstrate that Lake Ruma Wetland soils exhibit high suitability for irrigated agriculture. However, sustaining long-term productivity will require integrated soil fertility management to enhance organic matter and nitrogen levels. These findings provide a scientific basis for sustainable irrigation planning, land-use management, and wetland conservation in north-eastern Nigeria.
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