Soil Characterization and Land Suitability Evaluation for Egusi Melon ( Citrullus mucosospermus ) Cultivation in Bafia, Centre Region of Cameroon

Abstract

Enhancing the value of indigenous food crops such as Egusi melon, which is considered a “lost crop” in many places around the globe, can significantly contribute to food security of millions of people who depend on agriculture for their livelihood. One of the limitations to optimal production of Egusi melon is the lack of soil and climate information for sustainable crop management. Soils of the Bafia district were characterised and classified in order to assess their suitability for growing Egusi melon. Seven sites, representative of the study area, were identified based on previous studies in the study area. Land evaluation was done using a parametric method. The soils belong to three reference soil groups; Ferralsols, Acrisols and Cambisols. The climate of the area is moderately suitable, with the main limitation being relative humidity. However, 42.9%, 28.57%, 85.71% and 14.29% of the land in the study area is limited by soil physical characteristics (t), topography (t), fertility characteristics (f) and moisture (w), respectively. More specifically, these limitations are related to slope, soil texture, pH, flooding and base saturation. Also, 28.6% of this land is currently unsuitable and potentially suitable (N1), while 71.3% is marginally suitable (S3). Based on this assessment, it is highly recommended to employ appropriate management practices that can improve the physical, chemical and biological properties of the soils.