Redness Rating of Horizons of Soil Profiles Located on Different Parent Materials in Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

Redness rating (RR) was evaluated for horizons of soil profiles located on sedimentary deposits and basement complex parent materials found in Niger state, Nigeria in the research. Findings showed that soils on the sedimentary deposits and basement complex have colours that could be described at 7.5 contrast of Yellow-Red (YR) hue with value of between 3 and 5, and chroma of between 3 and 8 for the soils formed on the sedimentary deposits but value of between 3 and 7, and chroma of between 1 and 8 for the soils formed on the basement complex. The colours of the horizons were between strong brown and dusky red for the soils formed on the sedimentary deposits while the soils formed on the basement complex exhibited between Grey and Strong brown colours within their profiles.  The RR value of the soils was found to be between 2.00 and 12.00 for the sedimentary deposits, and between 0.50 and 3.33 for the basement complex. No significant relationship was established between RR and organic matter content as well as with clay content. It expedient that the RR values of soils at various locations be evaluated and related to other soil properties because this can be of predictive value, for instance, in determining excessive, insufficient, sufficient and toxic levels of some micro-nutrients such as iron and manganese which usually affect crop production.