Macromorphological and physicochemical characterization of agricultural soilsin abeche (eastern Chad)

The main objective of this study was to assess the macromorphological and physicochemical characterization of two types of agricultural soils in the town of Abeche. The hydromorphic soils and brown steppe soils have been retained. Data collection consisted of taking the surface layers (0-20 cm) of crop fields. The layers were taken using a quartering device. Soil wells have been opened and described. The samples taken are dried, crushed, sieved and packaged. The various analyzes were carried out at the laboratory of the Food Quality Control Center (FQCC) in N'Djamena. The results were compared with reference values. The soils studied present a clayey texture in the hydromorphic soil and sandy-loamy in the brown steppe soil. The overall pH results show that the soils in our study area are acidic. Organic matter and exchangeable bases are low. They are lower than the reference values. The total nitrogen contents are within the range of the reference values. The cation exchange capacity is moderately high in hydromorphic soils. It is weak in brown steppe soils. Observed organic matter and nutrient deficiencies can be corrected to achieve potential yield. The use of organic compost, crop rotation and the incorporation of crop residues are possible solutions for maintaining the fertility of agricultural soils in Abéché.