Physico-Chemical Characteristics and Mineralogy of Soil in Catchment Areas around Penja-Manjo-Nkongsamba (Cameroon): Insights into Agriculture and Ecosystem Health — Oak Academic Publishing
Research ArticleOpen AccessGoogle Scholar indexed
Physico-Chemical Characteristics and Mineralogy of Soil in Catchment Areas around Penja-Manjo-Nkongsamba (Cameroon): Insights into Agriculture and Ecosystem Health
Department of Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management Unit, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
,
Department of Geology, Economic Geology Unit, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
,
Department of Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management Unit, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
,
Department of Geology, Hydrogeology Unit, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
,
Department of Geology, Economic Geology Unit, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
,
Department of Geology, Economic Geology Unit, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
,
Department of Geology, Economic Geology Unit, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
,
Department of Geology, Economic Geology Unit, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
1 Department of Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management Unit, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
2 Department of Geology, Economic Geology Unit, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
3 Department of Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management Unit, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
4 Department of Geology, Hydrogeology Unit, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
5 Department of Geology, Economic Geology Unit, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
6 Department of Geology, Economic Geology Unit, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
7 Department of Geology, Economic Geology Unit, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
8 Department of Geology, Economic Geology Unit, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
We examine the physico-chemical and mineralogical characteristics of soils of Penja-Manjo-Nkongsamba in Cameroon to evaluate their agricultural potential and ecosystem health. XRD, titration, photometry and statistics (multivariate and PCA) were used. The results show that the soils are generally loamy, slightly acidic [pH (H 2 O = 5.29) > pH (KCl = 4.66; 45%)] and composed of quartz (45% - 50%), kaolinite (10% - 40%), muscovite (10% - 35%), microcline (~5%), and minor haematite. These clay minerals are of low-activity type, can reduce heavy metal contamination, and promote soil fertility as well as crop productivity, but require careful management and control of agro materials in order to protect this ecosystem.
FAO (2015) Status of the World’s Soil Resources (SWSR)—Main Report. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and Intergovernmental Technical Panel on Soils.
Girma, K., Yimer, F., Tamirat, T. and Abdelkadir, A. (2023) Effect of Land Use Change on Soil Physico-Chemical Properties under Different Land Use System in Arsi Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia. Journal of Biology and Nature , 15, 57-69. https://doi.org/10.56557/joban/2023/v15i18076
Yaseen, M., Abbas, S. and Latif, Y. (2023) Evaluating the Effects of Soil Physicochemical Properties under Different Land Use Types in the Arid Zones of Pakistan. Environment , Development and Sustainability , 26, 13577-13594. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-023-03662-7
Velde, B. and Meunier, A. (2008) The Origin of Clay Minerals in Soils and Weathered Rocks. Springer Verlag, 13.
Kome, G.K., Enang, R.K., Tabi, F.O. and Yerima, B.P.K. (2019) Influence of Clay Minerals on Some Soil Fertility Attributes: A Review. Open Journal of Soil Science , 9, 155-188. https://doi.org/10.4236/ojss.2019.99010
Sun, Y.Y., et al . (2020) Application of Clay Minerals in Remediation of Heavy Metal Pollution in Soil. E 3 S Web of Conferences , 204, Article No. 01011. https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202020401011
Wilson, M.J. (1999) The Origin and Formation of Clay Minerals in Soils: Past, Present and Future Perspectives. Clay Minerals , 34, 7-25. https://doi.org/10.1180/000985599545957
Karathanasis, A.D. (2006) Soil Mineralogy. Land Use and Land Cover, from Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems (EOLSS), Developed under the Auspices of the UNESCO. EOLSS Publishers.
Barton, C.D. and Karathanasis, A.D. (2002) Clay Minerals. In: Lal, R., Ed., Encyclopedia of Soil Science , Marcel Dekker, 187-192.
Churchman, G.J. and Lowe, D.J. (2012) Alteration, Formation, and Occurrence of Minerals in Soils. In: Huang, P.M., Li, Y. and Sumner, M.E., Eds., Handbook of Soil Science . Properties and Processes , 2nd Edition, CRC Press, 172.
Mandiringana, O.T., Mnkeni, P.N.S., Mkile, Z., van Averbeke, W., Van Ranst, E. and Verplancke, H. (2005) Mineralogy and Fertility Status of Selected Soils of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis , 36, 2431-2446. https://doi.org/10.1080/00103620500253514
Abe, S.S., Masunaga, T., Honna, T. and Wakatsuki, T. (2006) Comprehensive Assessment of the Clay Mineralogical Composition of Lowland Soils in West Africa. Soil Science and Plant Nutrition , 52, 479-488. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747-0765.2006.00060.x
Kim, R., Yoon, J., Kim, T., Yang, J.E., Owens, G. and Kim, K. (2015) Bioavailability of Heavy Metals in Soils: Definitions and Practical Implementation—A Critical Review. Environmental Geochemistry and Health , 37, 1041-1061. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10653-015-9695-y
Bar-Yosef, B., Magen, H., Johnston, A.E. and Kirkby, E.A. (2015) Potassium Fertilization: Paradox or K Management Dilemma? Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems , 30, 115-119. https://doi.org/10.1017/s1742170514000295
Jaiswal, D.K., Verma, J.P., Prakash, S., Meena, V.S. and Meena, R.S. (2016) Potassium as an Important Plant Nutrient in Sustainable Agriculture: A State of the Art. In: Meena, V.S., Maurya, B.R., Prakash Verma, J. and Meena, R.S., Eds., Potassium Solubilizing Microorganisms for Sustainable Agriculture , Springer India, 21-29. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-81-322-2776-2_2
Bühmann, C., Escott, B.J. and Hughes, J.C. (2004) Soil Mineralogy Research in South Africa, 1978 to 2002—A Review. South African Journal of Plant and Soil , 21, 316-329. https://doi.org/10.1080/02571862.2004.10635067
Kankeu, B., Greiling, R.O., Nzenti, J.P., Bassahak, J. and Hell, J.V. (2012) Strain Partitioning along the Neoproterozoic Central Africa Shear Zone System: Structures and Magnetic Fabrics (AMS) from the Meiganga Area, Cameroon. Neues Jahrbuch für Geologie und Paläontologie — Abhandlungen , 265, 27-47. https://doi.org/10.1127/0077-7749/2012/0244
Owona, S., Ratschbacher, L., Afzal M, G., Nsangou Ngapna, M., Mvondo Ondoa, J. and Ekodeck, G.E. (2020) New U-Pb Zircon Ages of Nyong Complex Meta-Plutonites: Implications for the Eburnean/Trans-Amazonian Orogeny in Southwestern Cameroon (Central Africa). Geological Journal , 56, 1741-1755. https://doi.org/10.1002/gj.4022
Toteu, S.F., Van Schmus, W.R., Penaye, J. and Michard, A. (2001) New U-Pb and Sm-Nd Data from North-Central Cameroon and Its Bearing on the Pre-Pan African History of Central Africa. Precambrian Research , 108, 45-73. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0301-9268(00)00149-2
Caxito, F.A., Santos, L.C.M.L., Ganade, C.E., Bendaoud, A., Fettous, E.H. and Hou-ketchang Bouyo, M. (2020) Toward an Integrated Model of Geological Evolution for NE Brazil-NW Africa: The Borborema, Province and Its Connections to the Trans-Saharan (Benino-Nigerian and Tuareg Shields) and Central African Orogeny. Special Session, “A Tribute to Edilton Santos, a Leader in Precambrian Geology in Northeastern Brazil”, Edited by A.N. Sial and V.P. Ferreira. Brazilian Journal of Geology .
Nzenti, J.P., Kapajika, B., Wörner, G. and Lubala, T.R. (2006) Synkinematic Emplacement of Granitoids in a Pan-African Shear Zone in Central Cameroon. Journal of African Earth Sciences , 45, 74-86. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2006.01.005
Njome, M.S. and Suh, C.E. (2005) Tectonic Evolution of the Tombel Graben Basement, Southwestern Cameroon. Episodes , 28, 37-41. https://doi.org/10.18814/epiiugs/2005/v28i1/004
Nkouathio, D.G., Ménard, J., Wandji, P. and Bardintzeff, J. (2002) The Tombel Graben (West Cameroon): A Recent Monogenetic Volcanic Field of the Cameroon Line. Journal of African Earth Sciences , 35, 285-300. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0899-5362(02)00031-3
Nguene, F.R., Tamfu, S., Loule, J.P. and Ngassa, C. (1991) Paleo Environments of the Douala and Kribi/Campo Sub Basins in Cameroon, West African. Géologie africaine : Colloque de Géologie africaine 1992, Libreville, 6-8 May 1991, 129-139.
Regnoult, J.M. (1986) Synthèse géologique du Cameroun. D. M. G, 118 p.
SNH/UD (2005) Stratigraphie séquentielle et tectonique des dépôts-mésozoïques synrifts du bassin de Kribi/Campo. Rapport Non publie, 134 p.
Yerima, B.P.K. and Van Ranst, E. (2005) Introduction to Soil Science, Soils of the Tropics. TRAFFORD Publishers, 397 p.
Yerima, B.P.K. and Van Ranst, E. (2005) Major Soil Classification Systems Used in the Tropics: Soils of Cameroon. TRAFFORD Publishers, 295 p.
Pauwels, J.M., Van Ranst, E., Verloo, M. and Mvondo-Ze, A.D. (1992) Manuel de Laboratoire de pédologie: Méthodes d’Analyses de Sols et de Plantes, Equipement, Gestion de Stocks de Verrerie et de produit chimique. Publication Agricoles, 265 p.
Ferreira, V., Panagopoulos, T., Andrade, R., Guerrero, C. and Loures, L. (2015) Spatial Variability of Soil Properties and Soil Erodibility in the Alqueva Reservoir Watershed. Solid Earth , 6, 383-392. https://doi.org/10.5194/se-6-383-2015
Mengel, K. and Kirkby, E.A. (1987) Principles of Plant Nutrition. International Potash Institute, 687 p.
Landon, J. (1991) Booker Tropical Soil Manual: A Handbook for Soil Survey and Agricultural Land Evaluation in the Tropics and Subtropics. Routledge, 450 p.
Salami, B.T., Okogun, J.A. and Sanginga, N. (2011) Delineation of Management Zones by Classification of Soil Physico-Chemical Properties in the Northern Savanna of Nigeria. African Journal of Agricultural Research , 6, 1572-1579.
Dohrmann, R. (2006) Cation Exchange Capacity Methodology I: An Efficient Model for the Detection of Incorrect Cation Exchange Capacity and Exchangeable Cation Results. Applied Clay Science , 34, 31-37. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clay.2005.12.006
Todd, D.K. (1980) Groundwater Hydrology. John Willey and Sons, 535 p.
Food and Agriculture Organization (2006) Sustainable Agrifood Systems.
Tabi, F.O., Omoko, M., Boukong, A., Mvondo Ze, A.D., Bitondo, D. and Fuh-Che, C. (2012) Evaluation of Lowland Rice ( Oryza sativa ) Production System and Management Recommendations for Logone and Chari Flood Plain-Republic of Cameroon. Agricultural Science Research Journal , 2, 261-273.
Ndukwu, B., Onwudike, S.U., Idigbor, M.C., Ihejirika, C.E. and Ewe, K.S. (2013) Spatial Variability in the Physico-Chemical Properties of Soils Affected by Animal Wastes in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria. African Journal of Agricultural Research , 8, 373-379. https://doi.org/10.5897/ajar12.1397
Asongwe, G.A. and Yerima, B.P.K. (2016) Heavy Metal Status in Urban and Peri-Urban Wetland Soils under Vegetable Cultivation in the Bamenda Municipality Cameroon. Greener Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition , 3, 1-13. https://doi.org/10.15580/gjsspn.2016.1.072716123
Ogunkunle, A.O. (1993) Variation of Some Soil Properties along Two Toposequences on Quartzite Schist and Banded Gneiss in Southwestern Nigeria. GeoJournal , 30, 397-402. https://doi.org/10.1007/bf00807220
Sufac, J.M. (2021) Hollow Frontier Dynamics and Land Resource Exploitation in the Mungo Landscape of Cameroon. Canadian Journal of Tropical Geography , 9, 45-60.
Mosoh Bambi, C.K., Suh, C.E., Nzenti, J.P. and Frimmel, H.E. (2012) U-Mo Mineralization Potential in Pan-African Granites, Southwestern Cameroon: Economic Geology of the Ekomédion Prospect. Journal of African Earth Sciences , 65, 25-45. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2012.01.001
Wilson, M.J. (2020) Dissolution and Formation of Quartz in Soil Environments: A Review. Soil Science Annual , 71, 99-110. https://doi.org/10.37501/soilsa/122398
Ndikumana, J.d.D., Bolarinwa, A.T., Adeyemi, G.O., Olajide-Kayode, J. and Nambaje, C. (2020) Geochemistry of Feldspar and Muscovite from Pegmatite of the Gatumba Area, Karagwe Ankole Belt: Implications for Nb-Ta-Sn Mineralization and Associated Alterations. SN Applied Sciences , 2, Article No. 1568. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-020-03370-1
Weaver, C.E. (1977) Clay in the Sedimentary Environment. Elsevier.
Hillier, S. (2003) Clay Mineralogy of Sedimentary Rocks. In: Geological Society , Vol. 219, Special Publications, 23-43.
Mboudou, G.M.M., Owona, S., Moussa, N.N., et al . (2022) Petrology and Feldspar Chemistry of the Penja-Manjo Pegmatites in the Pan-African Orogenic Belt of Cameroon: Economic Implication. Arabian Journal of Geosciences , 15, Article No. 570.
Hurlbut, C.S. and Klein, C. (1977) Manual of Mineralogy. 15th Edition, John Wiley & Sons.
Wall, D.H. and Nielsen, U.N. (2012) Soil Biodiversity and Human Health. In: Wil-liams, A.M.V. and Wall, D.H., Eds., Soil Ecology and Ecosystem Services , Oxford University Press, 56-65.
Brady, N.C. and Weil, R.R. (2010) The Nature and Properties of Soils. 15th Edition, Pearson.