Changes in soil quality after subsequent establishment of Chromolaena odorata fallows in humid savannahs, Ivory Coast

Auteur(s) et Affiliation(s)

TONDOH, J.E.

International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), IER, CRRA de Sotuba c/o ICRAF Sahel, Bamako, Mali

UFR des Sciences de la Nature / Centre de Recherche en Ecologie, Univ. Abobo-Adjamé, Abidjan, Cote d' ivoire

KONÉ, A.W.

UFR des Sciences de la Nature / Centre de Recherche en Ecologie, Univ. Abobo-Adjamé, Abidjan, Cote d' ivoire

N'DRI, J.K.

UFR des Sciences de la Nature / Centre de Recherche en Ecologie, Univ. Abobo-Adjamé, Abidjan, Cote d' ivoire

TAMENE, L.

International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), Chitedze Agricultural Research Station, Lilongwe, Malawi

BRUNET, D.

IRD, UMR EcoandSols, Montpellier, France

Description :
This study was designed to assess changes in soil physical, chemical and biological properties after the establishment of C. odorata fallows in humid savannahs of Ivory Coast. Sampling sites were selected such that a portion of C. odorata fallow was located next to the shrub savannah, the most common natural ecosystem in the area. Results revealed a rise of soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, extractable calcium and magnesium in the first 10 cm of soil beneath the C. odorata fallow relative to the savannah. Furthermore, the fallow was associated with high N-mineral pool. The infiltration capacity of water under C. odorata-based fallow was markedly high and soil macroinvertebrates, mainly earthworms, showed significant increases in density and biomass. These results suggest that there are merits for the integration of C. odorata fallow in a cropping system for sustainable food production in the buffer zone of Lamto Reserve.

Type de document :
Article de périodique

Source :
Catena (Giessen), issn : 0341-8162, 2013, vol. 101, p. 99-107, nombre de pages : 9, Références bibliographiques : 2 p.

Date :
2013

Editeur :
Pays édition : Allemagne, Cremlingen-Destedt, Catena

Langue :
Anglais