Morphopedological characteristics and physical potential of Zépréguhé Soils in Daloa Region, Centre West, Côte d'Ivoire

Abstract

The morphopedological characterization of the soils of Zépréguhé (Centre-West of Côte d'Ivoire) only exists on a small scale, whereas this support is essential for the arboriculture on which the region depends. This study aims to establish the morphopedological and typological characteristics of the soils of the Daloa area and particularly the soils of the locality of Zépréguhé located between longitude 6°22'18'' West, latitude 6°54'09'' North and 250 m above sea level. The soil pits were opened over a toposequence 551 meters long and the profiles were described following the approach of the Office de Recherche Scientifique et Technique d'Outre-Mer (ORSTOM). This study carried out in April 2022 showed that the soil types in the area are rejuvenated reworked ferrallitic soils (Plinthic Lixisols) on the summits, hardened reworked ferralitic soils (Plinthic Lixisols) on the mid-slope, depleted reworked ferrallitic soils ( Plinthic Arenosols) on the lower slope and hydromorphic soils depleted of alluvial input (Fluvisols) in the lowland. From the point of view of agricultural suitability, the soils on the summit physically present characteristics favorable as a whole to any kind of cultivation. The mid-slope soils would be favorable for low-rooting speculations, while the soils on the lower slope show potential characteristics favorable to all crops. Lowland soils present constraints related to shallow hydromorphy, dominance of sand and the very thin layer that can be exploited by plant roots.