Morphological and Physical Characterization of Soils for Cotton Suitability Assessment in the Mankono District (Central-West Côte d’Ivoire)

Abstract

Background and Aims: In Côte d’Ivoire, cotton farming plays a vital role in the livelihoods of local communities in the savanna region. However, it faces several challenges, including declining soil fertility caused by land-use pressure and climate variability, which limit yields and farmers’ incomes. Sustainable soil management therefore requires the adoption of resilient agricultural practices. To achieve this, knowledge of soil properties is necessary to align soil use more effectively with crop requirements. In this context, the overall objective of this study was to update morpho-physical data in order to map the agricultural suitability of soils in the Mankono district. The study was intended, first, to provide a key tool for optimising land use and improving seed cotton yields by aligning the requirements of the cotton plant with the current characteristics of the soil. Second, through crop suitability mapping, it informs stakeholders about areas that remain suitable for cotton cultivation. Place and Duration of Study: The study lasted two months and was conducted in the Mankono square degree in the Central-Western region of Côte d’Ivoire. Methodology: To achieve the objective of this study, a soil survey combining toposequence and soil landscape methods was conducted, soil samples were collected, and cartographic and statistical analyses were performed. Results: The results show that the soils in the Mankono district have sandy-clay to sandy-clay-loam textures. The soils are generally gravelly, with fairly variable depths (33 to 120 cm), but are suitable for cotton cultivation. The depth at which internal drainage problems occur is generally favourable (≥ 30 cm). Thus, 96.08% of the soils are suitable for cotton cultivation. Conclusion: The morphological and pedological characteristics of the soils have been updated. These parameters indicate that the soils in the Mankono district remain suitable for cotton cultivation; however, over the long term, these soils may become susceptible to erosion and crusting. Regarding agricultural suitability, 96.08% of the soils are suitable for cotton cultivation, with a good agricultural suitability rating. Nevertheless, chemical analyses are necessary to optimise fertilisation and improve yields.