Culturable Suitability of Bare Soils under Sorghum in Arid Zone of Burkina Faso

Abstract

Background and Aims: Farmers’ perception of soil fertility is based primarily on the condition of the soil surface. Thus, the absence of vegetation cover is seen as a sign of poor soil unsuitable for agriculture. Unfortunately, the area of these bare soils is increasing dramatically, which could impact the food security of a growing number of households. This study aims to characterize the suitability of bare soils for sorghum cultivation in the Sahelian and Sudano-Sahelian zones of Burkina Faso. Study Design: A soil survey and excavation on each delimited plot allowed for the characterization of the soil present. Place and Duration of Study: This assessment of crop suitability was conducted in 2019 on four bare soil plots in the Sahelian and Sudano-Sahelian zones of Burkina Faso. Methodology: A soil profile was excavated on each soil type 5 m from the trial site using the systematic grid method. After describing the profile’s environment, the colors of each horizon were evaluated using the Munsell color system. The morpho-pedological and analytical characteristics of these four soils were compared to sorghum requirements to assess their suitability for cultivation. Results: Results showed that the two ferrics epipetrics plinthosols are unsuitable for sorghum cultivation, severely limited by their thinness and erosion (Nre) to Gouéré. At Arbollé, ferric endo-petroplinthic lixisol (Toyendé) and hyperferric endo-petroplinthic lixisol (Zogbèga) were marginally suitable due to rooting conditions and erosion (S3re or S3e). Conclusion: However, these different soils have an average nutrient content, illustrating that physical soil degradation is not always accompanied by chemical degradation.