Agronomic diagnosis of soil quality in the experimental plot at the Jean Lorougnon Guede University for the implementation of an irrigated agroforestry system

NGANZOUA Kouame Rene, BAYALA Roger, KOUAME Amany Guillaume, TOKPA Lisette Zeh, BAKAYOKO Sidiky

Soil, Physical properties, Cultivation aptitude, Jean Lorougnon Guede University

The aim of the study was to determine the agronomic potential of the soil in the Jean Lorougnon Guede University (JLoGU) experimental plot for the establishment of a productive and sustainable forest agro-system. The study was carried out in May 2022 during the rainy season on one of the experimental plots at the Jean Lorougnon Guede University in Daloa. The experiment consisted in first opening soil pits (100 x 80 x 120 cm) on the plot area, after having determined the azimuthal direction, at the preferential positions of the toposequence (Plateau, Versant and bas de versant), then describing them and finally taking soil samples from the horizons (superficial A and underlying B) to determine the physical parameters in the laboratory. The results showed morphopedologically that the soil has a thick superficial A horizon (22 to 32 cm) and a deep underlying B horizon (98 to 88 cm) from plateau to lower slope. An endoplinthic ferralsol (Plateau), a plinthic leptosol (Versant) and a pseudogleyic ferralsol (bas de versant) were respectively determined along the toposequence. Physically, the texture was silty-clayey-sandy, bulk density (1.35-1.50 g/cm3) and useful reserve (>100mm) were satisfactory for good soil water circulation. Chemically, the soil had a slightly acidic pH (pH=6.7), with average organic matter (OM=2.01%) and carbon (C=1.17%) contents. Nitrogen (N=0.09%) and assimilable phosphorus (Pass=5.52ppm) levels were low. However, good mineralization was noted (C/N= 12.30), with exchangeable cations and CEC well supplied. In terms of suitability for cultivation, the plot presented no major constraints on the practice of agriculture or the establishment of an agroforest. In conclusion, the morpho-pedological characteristics and physico-chemical properties of the soil were favourable for sustainable farming of both perennial and annual crops.

https://dx.doi.org/10.31873/IJEAS.11.07.01