Abstract

Variability in soil properties is a critical element across wide areas of researches especially in several aspects of agriculture and environment. The objective of this study was to examine the spatial variability of soil properties and factors contributing to the general pattern of variability in Akoko Region. Observations were carried out largely from sampling points and twenty soil samples were collected for laboratory analysis to determine the particle size fraction, soil pH, organic matter content, exchangeable potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, cation exchangeable capacity (CEC). The data were subjected to descriptive and factor analysis. The coefficient of variation ranged from 6.85 to 127%. The factor analysis revealed that the variability of the soil properties is mainly due to textural characteristics, chemical properties and organic matter.

Key words: Factor, analysis, spatial variation, soil properties.