Variation of Physical and Chemical Properties of Soils under Different Cropping Systems in the Watershed of Kpocomey, Southern Benin

Document pages: 17 pages

Abstract: Soils degradation is one of the constraints in food security achievement in Benin. This study aimed at assessing the effect of cropping systems and slope on soil physical and chemical properties in the watershed of Kpacomey located in the Aplahoué district. Soil samples were collected from three parallel transects along the slope. Sampling was carried out under different treatments combining cropping systems (Maize-Cassava, pure Palm grove, Palm grove-Maize-Cassava and Teak Plantation) along with slope levels (low slope, medium slope and high slope degree). The impact of cropping systems and slope on soil properties was assessed by determining the physical and chemical parameters. The cropping systems significantly (p 3) was recorded under the Palm grove-Maize-Cassava cropping system while the highest (1.47 g cm3) was obtained with pure Palm grove cropping system. Root biomass was more abundant (0.28 ) with the pure Palm grove cropping system. However, root biomass was significantly (p 0.05) on the effect of cropping systems and slope. Moreover, cropping systems resulted in significant effects (p