Seven typical soils occurring in the meander Belt deposits of Upper Niger Delta in Nigeria were characterised and classified. Their potential for rain-fed agriculture was evaluated using the fertility capability classification (FCC) system. Soils in the area were observed to be suitable for fish farming and in the cultivation of plantain, yam, cocoyam swamp rice, irrigated rice. cowpea, maize, groundnut, pineapple, sugarcane, banana and vegetables. The soils were further subjected to economic evaluation using gross margin analysis. The results indicate that cropping patterns with plantain, swamp rice, and cassava as major crops have the highest potential economic benefit to farmers in the area. The constitute the most viable, land use options consistent with technical and socio-economic considerations; and should therefore form the basis for any cropping system promotion policy or programme in the area for now. Since the social background of the farmers, for now, do not lend credence to accepting some of the recommended crops. the existing/new crop mixtures were recommended for the soils based on technicaVeconomic feasibility and viability and social acceptability.
