Soil science expert seeks law for national land use planning to protect agricultural soils

A Professor of soil science at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Olufunmilayo Ande, has asked the Federal Government to enact law that will see to national land use planning in order to protect soils for effective agricultural practices.

Professor Ande, stated this during inaugural lecture which held recently. She noted that aside the law for national land use planning, government must also invest in research to understand local soil types and provide accurate, updated soil information.

Professor Ande, who is also the Vice President of the Soil Science Society of Nigeria, stated further: ”Federal Government must collaborate with the Nigeria Institute of Soil Science for a national soil classification system and data-sharing protocols; allocate funds for capacity building in sustainable soil management practices; Include Soil Science in schools’ curricula to emphasise its importance for sustainable development and provide training and establish laboratories for digital soil mapping (DSM) at regional levels.”

During the lecture, Professor Ande shared findings from her extensive research, which spans over 30 years and examines various soils across Nigeria. She emphasised the importance of understanding soil health as a fundamental driver of agricultural production systems, especially in light of the urgent need to address hunger and promote food security and nutrition for all Nigerians.

According to her research, over 60 percent of the soils evaluated possess a combination of sandy to sandy loam topsoils and illuvial B horizons. These soils exhibit characteristics such as acidity, low fertility, and insufficient organic carbon. Consequently, approximately 80 percent of the studied soils are classified as having only moderate to marginal suitability for major crops. She posited that achieving optimal yields and profitability will require additional inputs to enhance soil quality and production potential.

The inaugural lecture, chaired by Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Professor Simeon Bamire, had in attendance notable figures from academia and the agricultural sector, including the Director of the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Professor Veronica Obatolu, the President of the Soil Science Society of Nigeria, Deans of Faculties, Professors across various disciplines, scientists, students, farmers and community leaders.

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