ASSESSMENT OF SOIL FERTILITY STATUS IN DOKA DAWA VILLAGE, KABO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KANO STATE.

ABSTRACT This study assesses the soil fertility status of agricultural lands in Dokadawa Village, RiminGado Local Government Area, Kano State, Nigeria, to address concerns about nutrient depletionand unsustainable farming practices. Twenty composite soil samples were collected fromfivezones (north-east, north-west, central, south-east, and south-west) and analyzed for physical (texture), chemical (pH, electrical conductivity, macronutrients, micronutrients), and biological (organic carbon) properties. Results revealed significant spatial variability in sand (63–74%), clay (6–10%), and micronutrients (e.g., Mn: 29.05–48.59 mg/kg; Zn: 1.16–4.16 mg/kg), whilemacronutrients (N, P, K) and cation exchange capacity (4.8–5.5 cmol/kg) showed uniformity. Soil pH was slightly acidic (5.6–6.2), and electrical conductivity indicated lowsalinity(0.022–0.038 dS/m). Gender-disaggregated data highlighted male dominance in farming, andcroppatterns reflected regional preferences (e.g., maize-millet in Central, sorghum-soybean inSouth-East). Fertilizer use skewed toward nitrogen (highest in North-West: ~17.6 kg/ha), with minimal phosphorus/potassium application. Correlation analysis identified key relationships betweensoil properties for targeted management. The study recommends site-specific interventions—suchaslime application for pH adjustment, balanced fertilization, and organic amendments—toenhancesoil fertility and sustainable productivity in Dokadawa.