Flood recedes soils of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Southern Nigeria were evaluated using semi detailed soil survey for rice cultivation. The main purpose of the study was to assess the suitability of soils of the study area (Southern Ijaw) for the cultivation of rice. One pedon each was dug in each mapping unit and described using the FAO system. A nonparametric method of soil suitability evaluation was also used. The results showed that land requirements/characteristics such as wetness (depth to water table and flooding) and fertility made the land currently not suitable (N) for rice cultivation across the three pedons. Thus, the two constraints for rice cultivation in the area are wetness (depth to the water table and flood) and fertility (low status of pH and Available phosphorus). The land is potentially suitable for rice cultivation but currently not suitable (N) due to these two limitations/defects