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@article{202073,
        author = {Abubakar Jabir and Sadiq Abdullahi Yelwa and Amadu Monday Ambugadu and Abubakar Umar},
        title = {Geospatial Assessment of Topographic Control on Soil Physical Properties and Agricultural Suitability in Shanga Local Government Area, Kebbi State, Nigeria},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {12},
        number = {12},
        pages = {8082-8089},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=202073},
        abstract = {Soil spatial variability driven by topography presents significant challenges for agricultural productivity in semi-arid regions. This study integrated geospatial technologies with field-based analysis to assess the influence of topography on soil physical properties and agricultural suitability in Shanga Local Government Area, Kebbi State, Nigeria. The research employed a mixed-methods approach combining remote sensing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), laboratory soil analysis, and farmer surveys. Twenty soil samples (10 lowland, 10 highland) were analyzed for texture, bulk density, porosity, and moisture content. Spatial analysis utilized SRTM DEM (30m resolution) and Landsat 8 imagery for topographic classification and moisture estimation using the Normalized Difference Moisture Index (NDMI). Statistical analysis included independent samples t-tests and Pearson correlation. Results revealed that significant (p < 0.05) topographic differentiation: lowland soils exhibited higher natural moisture content (6.28% vs. 1.39%, t = 5.74, p < 0.001), greater porosity (0.459 vs. 0.418, t = 2.21, p = 0.040), and higher silt+clay content (27.88% vs. 17.72%, t = 2.46, p = 0.024) compared to highland soils. Strong negative correlations were observed between topography and moisture content (r = -0.81, p < 0.001), porosity (r = -0.46, p = 0.040), and fine particle content. Perceptions of the farmers (n=383) corroborated these findings, with 63% rating lowland soils as superior and 65% reporting higher yields in these areas. The study concludes that topography is the primary control on soil property distribution, creating a distinct catena with implications for site-specific soil management. While lowland soils are more productive and requires drainage management and fertility enhancement, highland soils necessitate erosion control and water conservation strategies.},
        keywords = {Soil Mapping, Toposequence, Soil Catena, Land Management, Agricultural Suitability},
        month = {May},
        }