Integrated Toposequence Analyses to combine local and scientific knowledgesystems

Integrated Toposequence Analysis (ITA) was used to integrate scientific and local knowledge on land resources and land use systems and to identify fac tors determining land use and land resource management. The application of ITA at different toposequence types resulted in a nested, gee-referenced in formation system relevant to different decision-making levels, and demonstr ated the variation in soils, land cover/use and cropping systems between la ndform complexes (macro), unit landforms (meso) and facets (micro) at the N sukka Agricultural Zone (southeastern Nigeria). The local soil classificati on was coupled to the World Reference Base for Soil Resources using the res ults of three toposequences and eight soil profile pits. Despite the overal l low soil fertility, distinct differences in cropping systems and cultivat ion techniques were practised. Local land use and management decisions were guided by the local soil classification and depended on the position in th e landscape, the soil texture, occurrence of ironstone and soil colour to t illage depth. The local knowledge provided insights in present management s trategies, whereas the scientific information demonstrated the constraints on present land use systems. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights rese rved.