DOI: 10.11648/j.earth.20261503.12 ISSN: 2328-5982

Inputs from Faidherbia. a lbida and Traditional Practices on a Pellic Vertisol and an Eutric Regosol Within a Parkland System in Mambang, Far North C

Marguerite Mbogba, Estelle Effoudou, Brunot Nyeck, Martin Yemefack
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To enhance sustainable production systems, drylands must face a myriad of problems. Regardless of local conditions, some local practices could help address these problems. However, their applications are not well understood and the results are not well quantified. Our objective was to assess the response of Faidherbia albida (Delile), A. Chev (F.A.) on a Pellic Vertisol and its combined effect with stone walls on an Eutric Regosol. Composite soil samples (0–5, 5-10, 10-20 cm) were collected from these soils under and outside, respectively Faidherbia albida tree and Faidherbia albida tree associated with stone walls, and analyzed for routine laboratory determinations. Statistical analyses were performed to interpret the dataset and assess relationships between management practices and soil properties. The soil quality index (SQI) and the response ratio (RR) were computed to evaluate differences between soils under and outside canopy. Both soils significantly benefited from inputs from F.A. and particularly when combined with stone walls. For Pellic Vertisols, only the superficial layer (0 -5 cm) significantly benefited from F.A. inputs. Here, SQI 1_1uF.A (under F.A.) ˃ SQI 1_1’oF.A (Outside F.A.) . As compared to soils in open field, F.A. contributed 46.24% of SOM (Soil organic matter), 128.23% of total nitrogen, 270.85% of available phosphorus and 254.2% of potassium and improved soil temperature and humidity. When associated with stone walls, the whole plow layer (0-5, 5-10, 10 - 20 cm) on Eutric Regosol, significantly benefited from inputs from the complex F.A. and stone walls. Indeed, SQI 2_1uF.A ˃˃ SQI 2_1’oF.A, SQI 2_2uF.A. ˃ SQI 2_2’oF.A and SQI 2_3uF.A .˃SQI 2_3’oF.A . As compared to the open area, F.A. combined with stone walls brought 141.5% of SOM, 201.9% of total nitrogen, 89.35% of calcium, 495.2% of potassium, 93.3% of sodium, 499.6% of available phosphorus and 109.8% of soil humidity. Improving soil quality through local practices, suitable to local conditions, is key to enhance Sahelian livelihoods.

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