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<p>In Cameroon, the lithomorphic Vertisol and Ferralsol have received less attention while they are extensively utilized for agricultural practices. This study used the available physico-chemical analysis techniques, inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and conventional X-ray diffraction (XRD) to assess the soil physico-chemical properties and mineralogical characteristics in the lithomorphic Vertisol and Ferralsol soil profiles, providing insights into their suitability for agricultural practices. Mineralogical analysis revealed that lithomorphic Vertisol soil is predominantly composed of smectite, kaolinite, and illite, granting them a highest cation exchange capacity (CEC) of 14.4–16.3&#xa0;meq/100&#xa0;g and a neutral to slightly alkaline pH (6.1–7.0) compared to Ferralsol soil profile which was dominated by kaolinite and gibbsite, exhibiting a lowest CEC (10.0–15.2&#xa0;meq/100&#xa0;g) and more acidic pH levels (4.5–5.5). Organic carbon content decreased with soil depth in both soil types; however, lithomorphic Vertisol soil profile retained a higher percentage (0.91% in the A horizon) compared to Ferralsol soil profile (0.18% in the A horizon), suggesting superior organic matter accumulation in lithomorphic Vertisol, which is crucial for soil fertility. Analysis of SiO<sub>2</sub>/Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> ratios reveals an increasing trend in lithomorphic Vertisol with depth, contrasting with a decreasing trend in Ferralsol, indicative of distinct weathering and leaching processes impacting these soils' nutrient availability. The differences in mineralogy and physico-chemical properties between these two soil profiles can be attributed to varying parent material lithology, climatic conditions, and the hydrological characteristics of the regions where they are formed. The findings reveal that the unique characteristics of Vertisol support greater fertility potential, making it more suitable for intensive agricultural production than Ferralsol. This has significant implications for soil management strategies aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity in Cameroon.</p>

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Revealing the Physico-chemical and Mineralogical Dynamic in Two Zonal Soils in Cameroon: Implications for Soil Fertility Management

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年9月20日

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  • Georges Martial Ndzana,
  • Li Huang,
  • Jean Pierre Temga,
  • Kashif Kubar,
  • Thierry Mamert Abodo,
  • Etienne Bekoa,
  • Danielle Mamba,
  • Emile Temgoua,
  • Azinwi Primus,
  • C. T. Kaamil Fonfatawouo,
  • Joseph Kabala Mubolo,
  • Bin Zhang

摘要

In Cameroon, the lithomorphic Vertisol and Ferralsol have received less attention while they are extensively utilized for agricultural practices. This study used the available physico-chemical analysis techniques, inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and conventional X-ray diffraction (XRD) to assess the soil physico-chemical properties and mineralogical characteristics in the lithomorphic Vertisol and Ferralsol soil profiles, providing insights into their suitability for agricultural practices. Mineralogical analysis revealed that lithomorphic Vertisol soil is predominantly composed of smectite, kaolinite, and illite, granting them a highest cation exchange capacity (CEC) of 14.4–16.3 meq/100 g and a neutral to slightly alkaline pH (6.1–7.0) compared to Ferralsol soil profile which was dominated by kaolinite and gibbsite, exhibiting a lowest CEC (10.0–15.2 meq/100 g) and more acidic pH levels (4.5–5.5). Organic carbon content decreased with soil depth in both soil types; however, lithomorphic Vertisol soil profile retained a higher percentage (0.91% in the A horizon) compared to Ferralsol soil profile (0.18% in the A horizon), suggesting superior organic matter accumulation in lithomorphic Vertisol, which is crucial for soil fertility. Analysis of SiO2/Al2O3 ratios reveals an increasing trend in lithomorphic Vertisol with depth, contrasting with a decreasing trend in Ferralsol, indicative of distinct weathering and leaching processes impacting these soils' nutrient availability. The differences in mineralogy and physico-chemical properties between these two soil profiles can be attributed to varying parent material lithology, climatic conditions, and the hydrological characteristics of the regions where they are formed. The findings reveal that the unique characteristics of Vertisol support greater fertility potential, making it more suitable for intensive agricultural production than Ferralsol. This has significant implications for soil management strategies aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity in Cameroon.