| Popis: |
Soil variability has a profound impact on crop yields in low-input agriculture. The objectives of this study were to examine soil fertility variability and to identify potential soil constraints relating to farmers' conditions for agricultural production in the Sahelian zone of northern Burkina Faso. Surface soil (0-20 cm) and subsoil (20-100 cm) were sampled from 25 pedons on village-scale transects embracing three genetic soil units: two generations of sandy dune soils showing incipient development; a complex unit of clayey pediplain soils with duplex properties showing both alkaline and acid subsoil reaction; and hydromorphic, clayey valley bottom soils. Particle size distribution, pH, electrical conductivity, cation exchange capacity, exchangeable base cations and acidity, soluble base cations, organic carbon, nitrogen, total and available phosphorus, moisture constants, and bulk density were determined. Contents of organic carbon, total nitrogen, total and available phosphorus,and exchangeable potass... |
