Effect of organic resources management on soil biodiversity and crop performance under semi-arid conditions in West Africa

摘要

Soils in many areas of the semi-arid tropics (SAT) face reduced productivity. Because of organic matter and nutrient depletion that induce losses in soil biodiversity, they cannot function well within their ecosystems. In the prevalent low-input agricultural systems of the SAT, organic resources management and the maintenance of soil biological qualities are key elements in the sustainability of agriculture. However, little is yet known about the organisms in SAT soils, particularly of those in WestAfrica. The impact of different types of organic resources management on soil biodiversity, with special attention to soil fauna and their interaction impacts on crop performance, are under investigation. These organisms play a key role in controlling soil functions and have high importance in ecosystem studies. Judicious management of organic resources could improve crop performance and help to maintain the beneficial contribution of soil biodiversity to the agriculture of SAT West Africa.