Southern Togo Research Articles

FOOD USAGE OF MACROTERMES (ISOPTERA, TERMITIDAE) ALATES IN LOME (SOUTHERN TOGO)

The consumption of insect including termites is gaining more interest nowadays even though many people still ignore the great benefit of enthomophagy. This study is a contribution to the valorization of Macrotermesalates in Lome (southern Togo). For this purpose, a survey was carried out in three municipalities of Golfe 3, Golfe 7 and Agoe-Nyive 1 (all located in the district of Lome) from June 14 to July 14, 2021. A total of 345 people were submitted to a set of questionary to assess the level of their knowledge and consequences related to the consumption of Macrotermes alates. The results revealed that more than 94% of the participants not only had a good knowledge of Macrotermes alates, but have also consumed them. Among the surveyed people, 48.67% consumed these alates for their taste while 28.67% consumed them for their nutritional value. Also, 43.70% of participants who had once consumed these alates, stated that they experienced gastrointestinal troubles following the consumption. Thus, although it is important to encourage the consumption of Macrotermes alates, hygienic precautions should be taken during the collection and processing of these alates in the interest of the health safety of consumers.

Determination of Pesticide Residues in Soils of Cotton Farming Areas in Togo

The main cash crop in Togo is cotton, with about 70% of agricultural exports. This crop is very dependent on the use of chemical inputs, in particular pesticides. Pesticides used in cotton farming in Togo include organochlorines, triazines, organophosphates and pyrethroids. We conducted a study on the impact of these pesticide use, in particular organochlorines and triazines, on cotton farming soils. We chose the Plateaux region (southern Togo) as the study area because of its high cotton production. Analysis was carried out on crop soil samples at the 0 - 20 cm horizon. Several pesticide residues were found: simazine (0.051 to 0.103 μg/Kg soil); atrazine (0.149 to 0.197 μg/Kg soil); lindane (0.259 to 0.672 μg/Kg soil); β-endosulfan (1.37 to 5.727 μg/Kg soil); dieldrin (0.063 to 1.16 μg/Kg soil); endrin (0.512 μg/Kg soil), Heptachlor (0.489 to 1.243 μg/Kg soil); Heptachlor epoxide (0.928 to 1.633 μg/Kg soil); [2,4'DDT] (0.257 μg/Kg soil); [4,4'DDE] (0.262 μg/Kg soil). These results show pesticide contamination of cotton farming soils.

A Molecular Investigation of Malaria Infections From High-Transmission Areas of Southern Togo Reveals Different Species of Plasmodium Parasites.

Malaria particularly burdens people in poor and neglected settings across the tropics of Africa. Meanwhile, a large proportion of the Togo population have poor understanding of malaria epidemiology and parasites. This study carried out a molecular survey of malaria cases in southern Togo during 2017–2019. We estimated Plasmodium species infection rates and microscopic examination compliance with nested PCR results. Sensitivity and specificity analyses were performed in conjunction with predictive values. Also, phylogenetic characterization of species of malaria parasites was assessed. Plasmodium genus-specific nested PCR identified 565 positive cases including 536/611 (87.8%) confirmed cases from the microscopy-positive group and 29/199 (14.6%) diagnosed malaria cases from the microscopy-negative group. Our findings revealed a disease prevalence (69.8%) higher than that reported (25.5–55.1%) for the country. The diagnostic test had 94.9% sensitivity and 69.4% specificity, i.e., it missed 120 of the people who had malaria and about one-third of the people tested positive for the disease, which they did not have, respectively. In conjunction, the test showed 87.7% positive predictive value and 85.4% negative predictive value, which, from a clinical perspective, indicates the chance that a person with a positive diagnostic test truly has the disease and the probability that a person with a negative test does not have the disease, respectively. Further species-specific nested PCR followed by analysis of gene sequences confirmed species of malaria parasites and indicated infection rates for Plasmodium falciparum (Pf), 95.5% (540/565); P. ovale (Po), 0.5% (3/565); and P. malariae (Pm), 0.4% (2/565). In addition, 20 cases were coinfection cases of Pf-Po (15/565) and Pf-Pm (5/565). This study publicly reports, for the first time, a molecular survey of malaria cases in Togo and reveals the presence of other malaria parasites (Po and Pm) other than Pf. These findings might provide answers to some basic questions on the malaria scenario and, knowledge gained could help with intervention deployment for effective malaria control in Togo.

Human Health Risks Associated with Trace Element Contamination of Crassostrea gasar (Dautzenberg, 1891) from Lake Zowla-Aného Lagoon Hydrosystem (Southern Togo)

Trace element pollution in aquatic ecosystems is one of the most important threats of human health and food chain. In order to assess the concentration of trace element in soft tissues of Crasostrea gasar and the human health risk associated with its consumption, seven trace elements (As, Hg, Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu and Cr) were analyzed by Atomic Absorption Spectrometer coupled to a hydride and cold vapour generator. C. gasar were collected at Zowla and Zalive in the Lake Zowla-Aneho Lagoon hydrosystem. The results showed a significant inter-site variation of trace elements concentrations. The highest concentrations (mg kg−1 dry weight) were obtained at Zalive (0.69, 40.61, 246.47, 13.34, 10.13, 908.57 and 0.31) and lower concentration at Zowla (0.48, 34.26, 165.1, 10.4, 6.43, 766.3 and 0.2) respectively for As, Cd, Cu, Cr, Pb, Zn and Hg. The estimated daily intake (EDI) of each trace element in children is greater than the EDI for adults. The target hazard quotient (THQ) for children is higher than that for adults. For children, only Hg had a THQ 1). Also, the cancer risk (CR) for As and Cr were higher than 10-4 indicating that the onset of carcinogenic effects related to As and Cr in children and adults is probable. This study, therefore, suggests that the current environmental levels of trace metals are potential threats to the health of regular consumers of C. gasar of this hydrosystem.

Carbon Sequestration Potential of Cropland at Different Doses of Composts in Southern Togo

The objective of this study was to assess the carbon sequestration potential of cropland amended at different doses of solid household waste compost. Field experiments were conducted during four cropping seasons alternating maize and tomato. Soil samples were collected on experimental plots in 20 cm depth for soil organic carbon content determination using wet oxidation method while bulk density was measured by the core method (volumetric cylinder method) with undisturbed soil samples taken in 0 - 20 cm with steel cylinder of 100 cm3. Carbon sequestration potential varied with carbon content, bulk density and soil depth. The results shown that amount of carbon sequestered under maize cultivation (0.035±0.03 to 0.191±0.03 t C ha-1) was higher than those recorded under tomato growing areas (0.016±0.03 to 0.164±0.02 t C ha-1). Carbon sequestration rates ranged from 0.105±0.01 to 0.573±0.01 t C ha-1 yr-1 under maize cultivation and from 0.048±0.02 to 0.492±0.03 t C ha-1 yr-1 under tomato growing. It is able to conclude that household waste compost application contributes to increase carbon accumulation in soil.

New data on the Dyrosauridae (Crocodylomorpha) from the Paleocene of Togo

Following our fieldwork in Paleogene deposits of Togo, we herein report cranial as well as postcranial elements belonging to the family Dyrosauridae. This assemblage is dated to the Late Paleocene (Thanetian) from two quarries in southern Togo. The specimens include a partial skull presenting two large supratemporal fossae and a massive occipital condyle; long and slender isolated teeth; amphicoelous vertebrae including several articulated ones; and two osteoderms devoid of carina. The morphology of the partial skull reveals similarities with some African longirostrine forms such as Rhabdognathus spp., although this attribution cannot be confirmed. Longirostrine forms, known in the late Paleocene and early Eocene of the Iullemmeden basin (Nigeria, Niger, Mali, Algeria) and in the phosphates of Morocco and Tunisia, is only represented in Thanetian levels in Togo. Different palaeoenvironmental settings seem to have characterized the various African basins during the lower Eocene, with consequences for the geographic distribution of dyrosaurids. These dyrosaurid remains confirm the presence of the family in Togo during the Paleocene and underline the fossiliferous potential of the coastal sedimentary basin in Togo and in the bay of Benin.

Spatial and seasonal variation of trace elements contamination in the sediments of a tropical lagoon ecosystem: the Lake Togo-Lagoon of Aného complex (southern Togo)

The Lake Togo-Lagoon of Aneho complex is located in the area of the phosphorite mining which produces different types of waste that are dumped directly into the surrounding environment without treatment. In addition, the contributions of its tributaries after leaching agricultural and urban soils need to be considered. This increases the risk of contamination of the hydrosystem, especially the sediments in trace elements. The objective of this study is to evaluate the level of trace elements contamination and their spatial and seasonal variation in the sediments of the Lake Togo-Lagoon of Aneho complex. The sediment physicochemical parameters were determined in line with French standards. The trace elements were determined using an Atomic Absorption Spectrometer coupled to a hydride and cold vapour generator. The spatial and seasonal variation was assessed using Ordinary Kriging Interpolation method. The average content of trace elements in sediments in mg/kg was as follow: Cd: 0.75, Pb: 13.26, Cr: 50.63, Ni: 36.05, Cu: 10.90, Hg: 0.04, As: 3.88, Zn: 47.38 and Mn: 766.74 in the dry season. In rainy season, the average concentration was: Cd: 0.46, Pb: 9.50, Cr: 27.43, Ni: 21.36, Cu: 9.61, Hg: 0.05, As: 5.23, Zn: 39.21 and Mn: 910.08. These concentrations showed a strong spatial variation. Significant seasonal variations were obtained for conductivity, organic matter as well as for Cd, Pb, Cr, Ni, Hg and As. The sediments were found to be weakly to moderately contaminated and enriched by trace elements with a higher contamination for Cd. The sediments may have low to moderate adverse effects on aquatic living organisms. This trace element contamination is of anthropogenic origin through the phosphorite mining and the agricultural and urban effluents. Therefore, this lagoon ecosystem warrants regular monitoring for better understanding to inform protection of the resource.

Analysis of Factors Influencing Access to Credit for Vegetable Farmers in the Gulf Prefecture of Togo

This paper addresses the issue of access to credit for market gardeners in the Gulf prefecture of southern Togo. Beyond structural constraints, individual socioeconomic characteristics of market gardeners are factors that play a role in access to credit. The binomial logit regression model was used as an analytical tool. From the National Agricultural Census (NAC, 2011) database, 452 market gardeners were randomly selected. The results showed that gender, membership in a financial solidarity group, sown area, marital status, type of association, interest rate are the significant variables influencing the demand for agricultural credit.

English

This study aimed to determine for the first time the levels and patterns of antimicrobial resistance of enterobacteria isolated from poultry and pigs farms in southern Togo. A cross-sectional study was conducted in south Togo in 70 and 47 poultry and pig farms, respectively. Fecal samples were collected once in each farm and enterobacteria isolated according to recommended techniques. Isolates from each sample were tested for susceptibility to 14 antibiotics by disc diffusion method. A total of 109 and 85 strains were recovered from 72.7% (n=64) and 87.93% (n=50) poultry and pig samples respectively. Respectively for Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp. and Salmonella spp. strains, the most important resistances were observed in poultry/pig farms against tetracycline antibiotic (93.1%/67.6%; 96.2%/78.7% and 100%/100%) and the association sulfoxide-trimethoprim (72.4%/81.1%; 66.7%/78.7% and 100%/100%). In general, resistances were higher against penicillin antibiotics like ampicillin (55.17%/54.05%, 46.15%/38.3% and 50.00%/100%) than cephalosporin antibiotics like ceftazidime (0.00%/0.00%, 5.13%/0.00% and 0.00%/0.00%) resistances where very low or absent. Also, resistance to nalidixic Acid (31.03%/16.22%, 33.33%/29.79, 0.00%/0.00%), first generation quinolones, was relatively high than resistance to norfloxacin (10.3%/10.81%; 20.5%/2.13%; 50%/0.00%) a second generation fluoroquinolone. In poultry, 44.83% of E. coli, 50% of Klebsiella spp. and 100% of Salmonella strains were multi-resistant while in pigs, 37.83% and 27.65% of E. coli and Klebsiella spp. strains showed multi-resistance. In many farms, farmers managed the health of their animals on their own. All surveyed poultry farmers and the majority of pig farmers indicated that they used antibiotics in their farms. This study showed that antimicrobial resistance in animal production in Togo portends a serious problem.   Key words: Antibiotic resistance, Enterobacteria, poultry, pig, Lomé, Togo.

Treatment of urinary tract infections with medicinal plants: Monographs of some plants species revealed by traditherapists

Medicinal plants are a precious heritage for humanity and especially for the majority of poor communities in developing countries who depend on them for primary health care and livelihoods. They are used in traditional practices against urinary tract infections without any scientific evidence for most of the species used. This work aims to have a summary of the literature on some medicinal plants used in the treatment of urinary tract infections. To do this, this study was carried out based on the different medicinal plants cited by herbalists in southern Togo against urinary tract infections. The names of these different plants have each been the subject of research with keywords in search engines such as Google Scholar, PubMed, FreefullPdf, and others to bring out the traditional use of these plants in the world. From all of the above, it appears that the medicinal plant species cited by actors of the Togolese pharmacopoeia are used to treat several diseases in the world. The organs of these plants, such as leaves, bark, and roots are used in the treatment of common illnesses such as typhoid fever, diarrhea, malaria, bronchitis, and hypofertility. Coughs, colds, skin diseases, toothache, gonorrhoea, viral infections, and many other diseases are treated with these plants. The plants are often combined with other plants in traditional medicine. They are used in the form of decoction, fumigation, herbal tea, and others. The type of disease treated by the plants changes from region to region and is also dependent on the culture of the region in the world. The use of medicinal plants is a very ancient practice. It is a very suitable alternative to modern medicine. However, there is a need to have more detailed studies on these plants, such as their toxicological effects.

Analysis of the impacts of socioeconomic factors on hiring an external labor force in tilapia farming in Southern Togo

This study analyzed the financial profitability and the impacts of socioeconomic factors on hiring an external labor force in tilapia farming in Southern Togo. We obtained the primary data from 75 randomly selected tilapia farmers for socioeconomic analysis by a structured questionnaire. Logit regression and return on investment (ROI) were performed to analyze the influence of socioeconomic factors on the decision of tilapia farmers to hire an external labor force and financial profitability of tilapia farming in the study area, respectively. The results indicate that tilapia farming contributes to employment opportunities in the study area. However, the key variables such as economic diversification, farming experience and educational attainment significantly affect the farmers’ decision to hire an external labor force in their farms. Furthermore, tilapia farming is a profitable activity based on the positive mean gross margin and mean net farm income. The ROI was 0.31, which implies that a return of USD 0.31 was obtained for the investment of every single dollar. The government must pay more attention by organizing training or re-training workshops for tilapia farmers, which would improve their socio-economic status.

Response of maize (Zea mays L.) ikenne variety to application of household urban solid wastes compost

Soils fertility declining limits agricultural production in Togo where maize (Zea mays L.) is most cereal cropping and base staple food. Currently, mineral fertilizers are beyond the reach of farmers due to high price and limited availability. This study assessed the response of household urban wastes compost to the growth and yield of maize Ikenne variety. Experiments were performed in rainy season of years 2018 and 2019 at Teaching Research and Demonstration Farm of Agronomy School in University of Lome, Togo. Agronomic trials were set at randomized in complete block design with three replications, where control plots, compost plots at different doses and mineral fertilizers plots constituted the treatments. The growth parameters, including plant height, stem girth, leaf area and number of leaves per plant, were measured at the milky maize stage. The yield parameters, including length and girth of cob, thousand grains weight, grain yield and straw yield, were collected at harvesting. Data were statistically analyzed. The results showed three distinct homogeneous groups of treatments both for growth and yield parameters. Plots treated with compost at 30 t ha-1 and 40 t ha-1 constitute the best group, which differs significantly from the second group formed by plots treated with compost at 10 t ha-1 and 20 t ha-1 and mineral fertilizer plots. Control treatments constitute the last group. Growth and yield parameters values increase with compost dose. Far from being used alone in place of mineral conventional fertilizer, integrated fertilization based on combination of mineral fertilizer and compost of household urban wastes will investigated in maize cropping in southern Togo for optimal compost dose to recommend.
 Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 10(1): 97-101, June 2020

Intending the Spirits: Experiencing Vodu Through the “Fetish” in Togo

Early encounters with Africa initiated a European fascination with the “fetish.” Though this term has been extensively problematized, anthropologists have kept the term, reading fetishes as cultural texts and searching to untangle the material assemblages and deep symbols that comprise them. This article contributes to our knowledge of fetishes by applying a practitioner-centric approach to their use and meaning in the matrices of Vodu. First, I elucidate meanings of these spiritual embodiments using ethnography of prayer and sacrifice in Gorovodu as practiced by ethnic Ewe and Mina communities in southern Togo. I then deploy the language of phenomenological anthropology to argue that fetishes bring intentionality into being and focus. Their filled presence directs consciousness towards the spirits and allows practitioners to sensuously experience spirituality and spiritual being. Rituals surrounding material fetishes are a means of intending reciprocal relationships with the divine into perceptual consciousness, and it is through these relationships that life and success are made possible.

Diversity of parasitoids associated with fruit flies on cultivated and wild plants in southern Togo

Fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) are major constraints on the production and marketing of fruits in African tropical and subtropical countries. In a perspective to manage these fly pests, an inventory of parasitoids associated with fruit flies was carried out from 2009 to 2011 in southern Togo through various fruit incubations. Nine species of native hymenopteran parasitoids associated with eight fly species belonging to five genera Bactrocera, Ceratitis, Dacus, Trirhithrum and Zeugodacus were recovered. Trichopria sp. (Diapriidae) was the most abundant parasitoid. However, the numbers of Braconidae (Diachasmimorpha fullawayi Silvestri, Fopius caudatus Szepligeti and Asobara sp.), Figitidae (Aganaspis sp.), Pteromalidae (Pachycrepoideus vindemmiae Rondani and Spalangia sp.), Eulophidae (Tetrastichus giffardianus Silvestri) and Chalcididae (Dirhinus giffardii Silvestri) species were relatively low. The rate of parasitism of different species of recovered parasitoids ranged from 0.6 to 40%. This is an asset for future surveys in the center and northern regions and studies of interactions between fruit flies and their natural enemies in Togo.

The first genetic assessment of wild and farmed ball pythons (Reptilia, Serpentes, Pythonidae) in southern Togo

The ball python (Python regius) is the world’s most commonly traded python species for the “exotic” pet industry. The majority of these live snakes are produced via a number of python farms in West Africa that have been in operation since the 1960s and involved with “ranching” operations since the 1990s. However, to date no thorough taxonomic review or genetic studies have been conducted within its range, despite the fact that the evaluation of a species’ genetic variability is generally considered mandatory for effective management. We used mtDNA sequence data and eight polymorphic microsatellite markers to assess the underlying population genetic structure and to test the potential of the nuclear markers to assign farm individuals to wild reference populations in southern Togo. Despite the relatively large distances between sample locations, no significant genetic population structure was found, either in mtDNA sequence data or in the microsatellite data. Instead, our data indicate considerable gene flow among the locations. The absence of a distinct population subdivision may have resulted from an anthropogenic driven admixture of populations associated with commercial wildlife trade activity in recent decades. Given the ongoing largely unregulated nature of the commercial ranching of ball pythons in West Africa, should a wild release component continue, as a first measure we recommend that the Management Authorities should develop an action plan with specific release protocols for python farms to minimise any potential negative conservation impacts resulting from admixture (genetic pollution) between farmed and wild individuals.

Searching for snakes: ball python hunting in southern Togo, West Africa

The ball python (Python regius) is the single most exported live CITES-listed species from Africa, with a large proportion of snakes being sourced from Togo, West Africa, officially via a system reported nationally as “ranching”. This study represents the first in-depth review of ball python hunting being carried out by rural communities in Togo for nearly 15 years. Our approach, focused at the bottom of the trade chain, permitted extensive detailed data to be collected from hunters, and provides a unique insight into the practices, drivers and impacts associated with this type of large-scale commercial wildlife trade activity. We show that ball python hunting remains an economically valuable endeavour for these rural hunters. However, it also highlights a number of potential legal, conservation and animal welfare issues associated with the current hunting practices being carried out in Togo (and neighbouring range States) to supply the snake farms and ultimately the international exotic pet trade. Our findings suggest that the methods applied on the ground do not accurately reflect those being reported to national authorities and international regulatory mechanisms such as CITES. This irregular, if not illegal, trade may also be unsustainable, as suggested by hunters reporting that there are fewer ball pythons in the wild than there were five years previously. We recommend that additional scientific investigation (focusing on the size and status of the wild population), better management, and enforcement of regulations, are required to ensure that ball python populations are managed in a sustainable, legal and traceable way.

Elasmobranchs from the upper Paleocene of Togo

Bulk sampling and surface collecting of two glauconitic horizons located in Southern Togo yielded a diverse elasmobranch fauna described here. This fauna includes 30 species dominated by carcharhiniforms (eleven species), myliobatiforms (nine species) and lamniforms (five species); it also comprises three orectolobiforms, whereas the squatiniforms and rhinopristiforms are represented by one species each. Although the poor preservation of the specimens hampered numerous species-level identifications, the vast majority of taxa identified were formerly reported from the Paleocene–Ypresian interval, four of which being exclusively known from the upper Paleocene. This, along with the six associated benthic foraminifera species, indicates a late Thanetian age for the sampled horizons and provide age constraints on a geographically widespread benchmark horizon in Western Africa. The composition of the elasmobranch assemblage shows strong resemblances with upper Paleocene faunas from Morocco and differs markedly from known assemblages from geographically closer localities in Niger and Nigeria, which suggests strong palaeoenvironmental control on the distribution of Thanetian elasmobranch diversity.

English

Lepidopteran pests cause considerable damage to Solanum macrocarpon Linnaeus (Solanaceae). Their control by the use of botanical extracts is a promising alternative to improper use of chemical insecticides. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of three doses of leaf extract of the neem tree, Azadirachta indica Adrien-Henri de Jussieu (Meliaceae) against Lepidopteran pest species that attack S. macrocarpon L. in southern Togo. The experimental design used for the study was randomized complete blocks with three replicates and five treatments: three doses (N1: 300, N2: 600 and N3: 900 L/ha) of neem leaf aqueous extract, a synthetic insecticide “Cydim Super” (C.S.) and a Control (C) in field. Botanical exctract and synthetic insecticide were applied after Lepidopteran pest species frequency and number collected once a week for 8 weeks. The yield data were obtained by weighing the aerial parts (leaves and stems) of S. macrocarpon harvested. Three species of Lepidoptera (Selepa docilis Butler (Noctuidae), Spoladea recurvalis Fabricius (Crambidae) and Scrobipalpa ergasima Meyrick (Gelechiidae)) were recorded. The neem leaf extract reduced frequency and numbers of all the three species found on S. macrocarpon than Control. S. recurvalis and S. ergasima were not recorded on plots treated with N3: 900 l/ha. No Lepidopteran pest species was recorded on plots treated with synthetic insecticide. S. macrocarpon yields obtained on plots treated with neem leaf extract N1, N2 and N3 were higher (5.42 ± 1.80 t/ha, 7.39 ± 1.88 t/ha and 6.97 ± 0.96 t/ha, respectively) than that of synthetic insecticide which was 3.51 ± 0.72 t/ha. Key words: Biopesticide, Lepidopteran pests, Solanum macrocarpon, southern Togo.

Assessment of pesticides residues contents in the vegetables cultivated in urban area of Lome (southern Togo) and their risks on public health and the environment, Togo

The objective of this study was the evaluation of the health risks of the pesticides use and their bioaccumulation by the vegetables grown in Lomé gardens. Pesticide residues levels were assessed in vegetable samples collected in Lomé areas by Gaz chromatography - mass spectrometry or liquid chromatography - mass spectrometry in order to know their concentrations. Data obtained were used for estimating the potential health risks associated with the exposures to these pesticides.The results showed that all of the samples contain pesticide residues with high levels of Dithiocarbamates (7.79 ppm) in carrots, Chlorpyriphos ethyl (0.445 ppm) in spinach, cucumbers (0.239 ppm), peppers (0.032 ppm), and turnips. Levels above the maximum residue limits (MRLs) of chlorothalonil, and carbendazime were found in peppers, prothioconazole and pendimethalin in turnips, cypermethrin in pepper (0.254 ppm) and in eggplant (0.037 ppm). The pepper has concentrated 5 residues, leek and turnip 4 residues each other, African eggplant 3, lettuce 2 residues and spinach 2 residues. The health risks indices show that the detected pesticides could not be considered as a serious public health problem in the studied conditions, but there is the need to increase their monitoring to reduce their misuse on the vegetables.Keywords: Pesticides residues, vegetables, consumers, health risks indices, Lome-togo.

Changes in Physical Properties of Red Soils "Terre de Barre” in South of Togo Under Different Compost Application Doses

This work deals with assessing the impact of compost of household waste and poultry manure on physical properties of red soils commonly called “Terre de barre” in southern Togo. Field experiments were conducted in coastal zone of Togo during four seasons of crops alternating tomato-maize-tomato- maize. Two types of composts were applied at doses of 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 t ha-1 respectively. One of the composts was elaborated with 100% of household solid wastes and the other with 70% of household wastes mixed with 30% of poultry manure. On each plot, composts were incorporated into the soil depth layers of 0 – 15 cm. Soil samples were randomly collected in surface layer (0 - 15 cm) from plots for measurement of organic matter content, bulk density, total porosity and moisture content. Soil water infiltration rates were measured in situ in the field using infiltration rate double ring cylinder. The results showed that composts affected the soil parameters studied. Soil bulk densities were reduced. However, organic matter content, total porosity, moisture retention and water infiltration rate increased with compost application doses increasing. Finally, it can be concluded that household waste compost has pronounced effects on the physical properties of red soils in southern Togo. Composting of household urban solid wastes will solve environmental problem and will contribute to improve soil quality and agricultural productivity.