Integrated geological and geomorphological analysis for sustainable land use planning in the Abia Region of southeastern Nigeria

The study focuses on the slope and soil characteristics of the Aba North, Aba South, Oboma Ngwa, and Ugwunagbo regions in southeastern Nigeria. Understanding these characteristics is crucial for determining land suitability, identifying erosion-prone areas, and informing sustainable land use practices. The primary aim of this study is to analyze the slope distribution and soil types to assess their implications for erosion risk and land management strategies in the study area. Soil types were classified into Dystric Nitosols and Xanthic Ferralsols, with their erodibility assessed using the K-Factor. Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques were used to map the spatial distribution of slopes and soil types. The slope analysis revealed that the majority of the area consists of flat to gently sloping terrain, with 198.81 km² in the 1.77 - 3.15 degrees range and 175.80 km² in the 0 - 1.37 degrees range. These areas are suitable for agriculture and urban development due to their stability. Moderate slopes (3.15 - 7.77 degrees) covered 86.38 km², while steep slopes (7.77 - 23.33 degrees) covered 2.42 km². Dystric Nitosols covered 42.07 km² with a lower K-Factor of 0.0178, indicating low erodibility, while Xanthic Ferralsols covered 505.60 km² with a higher K-Factor of 0.0187. The findings suggest that flat to gently sloping areas are ideal for development and agriculture due to their lower erosion risk. However, moderate and steep slopes require careful management to prevent erosion. The dominance of Xanthic Ferralsols, which are more erodible, necessitates targeted conservation strategies to maintain soil fertility and minimize land degradation. This study highlights the critical role of slope and soil analysis in informing land use planning and erosion risk management. Integrating these insights into land management practices is essential to enhance agricultural productivity and ensure sustainable development in the region. This research provides a comprehensive analysis of the terrain and soil characteristics of the study area, offering valuable insights for policymakers and land managers to develop effective soil conservation and land use strategies. The study underscores the importance of utilizing slope and soil data to inform sustainable land management and mitigate erosion risks.