Abstract

Tree planted fallow is an agroforestry system that may restore degraded soils and protect them from erosion. In this study, sandy soils properties of Acacia senegal planted fallows (AF) were assessed and compared to those from the continuous cropped system (CC) in 3 sites from Northern Cameroon in order to determine its suitability to restore soil fertility and sustain crop productivity. Soil samples were collected from the topsoil (0 to 20 cm) and the subsoil (20 to 40 cm) and subjected to physicochemical analyses. The trials were established for 2 consecutive years, respectively with sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata). Results confirmed the sandy (more than 80% of sand) and acidic (4.42 ≤ pH ≤ 6.59) soil characters. In every site, topsoil from AF was relatively more fertile than from CC. Globally, nutrients content were influenced by tree density and fallow duration. The more improved elements were organic matter, nitrogen and pH. Sorghum and cowpea yields were quite variable depending on fallow duration, tree density and conversion form. The highest crop yields (3.4 tha-1 for sorghum and 2.4 tha-1 for cowpea) were obtained in 19 years old AF converted by partial clear-felling. The intercropping process by partial clear-felling of trees was the best conversion form. Overall findings indicated that fallowing with A. senegal can reduce soil acidity, restore nutrients and therefore it constitutes a suitable agroforestry system that may sustain annual crops productivity. However, researches have to determine the best tree density for intercropping and the tools for their sustainable management.  

Key words: Acacia senegal fallow, agroforestry, sandy soils, continuous cropping, North Cameroon.