Dynamics of soil organic matter in the Sudanian savannahs of Burkina Faso.

摘要

To understand the dynamics of soil organic matter (MOS) in the fallow systems in Bondoukuy (Burkina Faso), we investigated the types of ferruginous soil dominant in the area and the ways humans have used them. We also studied the distribution of organic matter in 54 plots (cultivated fields as well as those fallow for 10 and 20 years) in the area of Dui to understand the dynamics of their reconstitution during the fallow period, conducted pedological studies, and investigated their cultural history. The results show 7 categories of ferruginous soils around Dui, ranked according to their topographic position and hydromorphic properties. The predominant sandiness of most of these soils long influenced land use, until immigrants arrived to disturb the traditional system. Organic matter does not appear to differ between the plots being cultivated and those lying fallow. The absence of difference in carbon levels, the similarity of their texture, and the persistence of cultivation tend to suggest that, from the point of view of improving production, the cultivation system now practiced is capable of preserving organic matter. This remains a possible substitution for long fallow periods..