Geospatial Techniques for Spatial Variability of Soil Physicochemical Properties and Their Impact on Irish Potato Production on the Jos Plateau: A Case Study of Jos South and Riyom Local Government Areas

Abstract

Irish potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a globally significant tuber crop, ranking fourth in global food production after rice, wheat, and maize (Ezekiel et al., 2023; Barta et al., 2022). Varieties such as Nicola, Marabel, and Caruso are commonly cultivated in Nigeria as well as in Egypt, Italy, Turkey, Germany, Pakistan, and China (Youssef and Hassan, 2022). The crop was first introduced to the Jos Plateau in Plateau State, central Nigeria, in the early nineteenth century (Taiy et al., 2017; Tadesse et al., 2018). However, its productivity remains constrained by multiple factors, including pest and disease pressure, inadequate supply of quality seed material, poor post-harvest storage infrastructure, a progressive decline in soil fertility associated with intensive cropping practices, limited access to improved varieties, and high labour costs. This study was undertaken to generate spatial data on soil quality variability and its implications for sustainable Irish potato production in Jos South and Riyom Local Government Areas. The study area spans latitudes 9°01′50.2″N to 9°44′6.5″N and longitudes 8°41′27″E to 9°19′56″E, at an elevation of approximately 800 m above sea level. The study area is underlain by crystalline basement rocks comprising migmatite, granite-gneiss, and Pan-African (Older) granites. A total of 240 composite soil samples were collected from Irish potato farms at a sampling depth of 0–30 cm and analysed for key physicochemical properties. Spatial distribution maps were generated using Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) interpolation within ArcGIS 10.8. Results indicate that macro- and micro-nutrients are adequate to support Irish potato cultivation in areas with moderate to high concentrations of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and organic matter, combined with slightly to moderately acidic soil pH. The application of geospatial technologies equips farmers with the means to implement site-specific nutrient management strategies, optimize resource allocation, and enhance the productivity and sustainability of Irish potato cultivation across the study area.