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European Journal of Applied Sciences – Vol. 11, No. 1

Publication Date: February 25, 2023

DOI:10.14738/aivp.111.14122. Bony, K., Zro, F. G. B., & Guéi, M. A. (2023). Spatial Variability of the Physicochemical Properties of Fallow Soils Formerly Used

for Perennial Crops (Cocoa and Coffee) In the Department of Daloa (Central West of Côte d'Ivoire). European Journal of Applied

Sciences, Vol - 11(1). 533-542.

Services for Science and Education – United Kingdom

Spatial Variability of the Physicochemical Properties of Fallow

Soils Formerly Used for Perennial Crops (Cocoa and Coffee) In

the Department of Daloa (Central West of Côte d'Ivoire)

Kakou Bony

Department of Pedology, Jean Lorougnon Guede University, Daloa, Côte d’Ivoire

Ferdinand Gohi Bi Zro

Department of Pedology, Jean Lorougnon Guede University, Daloa, Côte d’Ivoire

Martinez Arnauth Guéi

Department of Pedology, Jean Lorougnon Guede University, Daloa, Côte d’Ivoire

Abstract

At the present time of recovery of soils formerly used for perennial crops that have

fallen into decline in the Department of Daloa, located in the central-western part

of Côte d'Ivoire, a West African country, there is a need to assess the fertility

potential of these soils in order to avoid a possible rapid failure of the new crops

envisaged. Thus, the present study aims to identify the variables determining the

fertility of these soils, particularly those formerly used for cocoa and coffee

production, and to explain the spatial variability of these properties at the scale of

the study area. To this end, a quantitative characterisation of the physico-chemical

composition of the soils of seven plots that had been abandoned for at least ten

years was carried out. Soil samples were taken from three soil pits dug at each site

in three layers for laboratory analysis. The soil properties resulting from these

analyses were subjected to a variance analysis at the 5% threshold and a

determination of the coefficients of variation. The results obtained made it possible

to highlight the soil parameters that vary to a greater or lesser extent from one site

to another, but which are also crucial for the management of the fertility of the soils

studied.

Key words: Soils, fallows, spatial variability, physico-chemical properties, perennial

crops.

INTRODUCTION

In the Haut-Sassandra region, particularly in the department of Daloa in central-western Côte

d'Ivoire, cocoa and coffee plantations are being abandoned because of the persistent fall in the

price of agricultural products on the world market and the premature ageing of plantations

(Freud et al., 2000; Aguilar et al., 2003; Assiri, 2007), accentuated by a lack of new forest land.

In search of a solution to the decline of their plantations, farmers generally replant with coffee

or cocoa trees or reconvert their soils after felling the first plants that have become

unproductive. In most cases, these attempts are inconclusive because the users of the land are

not aware of its real potential.

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535

Bony, K., Zro, F. G. B., & Guéi, M. A. (2023). Spatial Variability of the Physicochemical Properties of Fallow Soils Formerly Used for Perennial Crops

(Cocoa and Coffee) In the Department of Daloa (Central West of Côte d'Ivoire). European Journal of Applied Sciences, Vol - 11(1). 533-542.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.14738/aivp.111.14043

Figure 1: Location of Daloa department showing the study sites

Data Collection

On each plot, three soil pits were set up. In each pit, three composite soil samples were taken in

the following order: one sample at a depth of 80-120 cm, another at 30-80 cm, and the last at

0-30 cm. Thus, sixty-three soil samples were taken for the entire study, air-dried, sieved to a

mesh size of 2 mm, packaged in labelled plastic bags and sent to the Plant and Soil Analysis

Laboratory located at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny National Polytechnic Institute. The main task

was to carry out the classic soil analyses, i.e. to determine the granulometry, pH, organic carbon,

total nitrogen, organic matter, assimilable phosphorus and exchangeable bases (potassium,

calcium, magnesium and sodium). The cation exchange capacity of the soil, the sum of

exchangeable bases and the base saturation rate were also determined. The methods used to

carry out these different analyses are listed in Table 1. In addition, the sand, silt and clay

contents obtained from the sieve analysis were projected onto the USDA soil textural triangle

to accurately determine the textures of the soils studied.