Role of fast-growing woody species in the biogeochemical functioning of fallow land. Effects on the restoration of fertility in tropical ferruginous soils. Benoué Basin in North Cameroon

Abstract

In the savannah zone of sub-Saharan Africa, the need to feed a growing population while preserving the environment, particularly the soil, is a major challenge. Numerous agronomic studies carried out by CIRAD and the summary by PIERI (1989) show that agricultural productivity and wood supply are no longer sustainable in this region. It is necessary:
• in many cases, to restore soils that have been severely degraded by continuous cultivation with low levels of mineral and organic fertilisation,
• in other cases, to maintain production potential while taking into account the financial resources of farmers,
• finally, to conserve or recreate timber production areas.