DIGITAL SOIL MAPPING FOR SOIL DEGRADATION ASSESSMENT AND SUSTAINABLE LAND MANAGEMENT IN KWARA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Soil degradation poses a significant threat to agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability in Kwara State, Nigeria. Traditional soil surveys with coarse-resolution analogue maps inadequately capture the spatial variability necessary for effective assessment and management. This study develops a Digital Soil Mapping (DSM) framework integrating Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing to produce high-resolution, spatially explicit soil property maps and identify degradation hotspots. Spatial and non-spatial data, including satellite imagery and field soil samples, were collected, processed, and analyzed using geospatial and statistical techniques. The results reveal substantial heterogeneity in soil texture, pH, and nutrient content, with pronounced degradation linked to erosion and nutrient depletion in intensively farmed areas. DSM demonstrated superior capability over traditional methods by accurately delineating vulnerable landscapes and informing targeted soil conservation strategies. The study highlights challenges, including data availability and technical capacity, recommending enhanced data integration, capacity building, and stakeholder engagement for sustainable land management.