Evaluation of the Physical and Chemical Fertility of Soils in the Sylvopastoral Zone: Case of the Pilot Site of the National Institute of Pedology in the Commune of Kelle Gueye (Louga/Senegal)

Abstract

The study of the reference state of the physico-chemical fertility of the soils of the pilot site of the National Institute of Pedology in the commune of Kelle Gueye to test the effect of phosphocomposte on cowpea and groundnut, allowed us to better understand the aptitudes of the above-mentioned crops. The methodology used consisted of taking soil samples on a regular 25 m grid, carrying out complete physico-chemical analyses at the INP laboratory and an analysis of climatic parameters. The results obtained were used to produce thematic maps to better interpret the various parameters. The physico-chemical analyses at the 0 - 20 cm horizon show a pH (6.1 - 7.9) close to neutral and a non-saline soil (EC < 250 μS/cm). The site is poor in organic matter; it is of the order of 0.1 ≤ MO ≤ 0.9. The granulometric results determined from a laser granulometry which gives more precision, show that the soils have a texture dominated by fine sands with more than 50% in the site. This study reveals that the site is suitable for groundnut and cowpea cultivation. However, some chemical parameters need to be improved to make the soil more fertile.