Endogenous Knowledge and Physico-Chemical Characterisation of the Agropedological Potential of Soils with a Plinthic Aspect in the Seguela Department (North-West of Cote d'Ivoire)
TIE Bi Tra Alain1*, Gala Bi Trazie Jeremie1, Gole Bi Teddy Charle2, Amani Sostene Franck Sylva1 and Yao-Kouame Albert1
1Unit of Earth Sciences and Mining Resources (UFR-STRM), Felix Houphouet-Boigny University of Abidjan, 01 BPV 34 Abidjan 01, Cote d'Ivoire
2Laboratory of Agronomy, Forestry and Crop Protection of the Higher School of Agronomy of the Felix Houphouet-Boigny National Polytechnic Institute
*Corresponding Author: TIE Bi Tra Alain, Unit of Earth Sciences and Mining Resources (UFR-STRM), Felix Houphouet-Boigny University of Abidjan, 01 BPV 34 Abidjan 01, Cote d'Ivoire.
Published: July 23, 2025
Abstract
As part of the inventory of endogenous soil knowledge in Cote d'Ivoire, research was carried out on plinthitic soils (cuirassed soils) in Seguela, in the north-west of the country. The study combined surveys of farmers, laboratory analysis of the physico-chemical characteristics of the soils and statistical analysis of the data obtained. The results show that the vast majority of farmers own leathery land, but only some manage to cultivate it, often out of necessity due to dwindling arable land, while others give it up because of the difficulty of the work. Farmers recognise these armoured areas by the presence of hills and typical plant species. These plant species play an important role in the decision to cultivate these soils. Plants such as Isoberlinia doka (Caesalpiniaceae), Uapaca togoensis (Euphorbiaceae), Combretum micrantum and Manotes kerstingii (Dipterocarpaceae) are indicative of the fertility of cuirasse soils. On the other hand, the presence of Pericopsis laxiflora (fabaceae), Combretum molle (Combretaceae), Gardenia ternifolia (Rubiaceae) and Combretum lecardi on hardpan soils indicates the poverty of these soils. Compared with non cuirassed soils, cuirassed soils can be less acidic, with a higher capcity of exchangeable bases. These results attest to some local knowledge in terms of plant species indicative of soil fertility. However, the presence of slabs of armour would constitute obstacles to their agricultural development.
Keywords: Endogenous knowledge; physico-chemical characteristics; plinthitic soil; Seguela; North-West Cote d’Ivoire
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