Integrated Analysis of Organic Carbon and Soil Fertility Indicators in Peri-Urban Agricultural Lowlands in Northern Côte d'Ivoire in a Context of Climate Change
Konan Kouamé Firmin
*
Laboratory for Agricultural Production Improvement, Department of Agro-Pedology, Faculty of Agroforestry, Jean Lorougnon Guédé University, Daloa, PO Box 150, Ivory Coast.
Nangah Krogba Yves
Department of Geosciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Peleforo Gon Coulibaly University, Korhogo, P.O. Box 1328, Ivory Coast.
Touré Béssimory
Department of Biology-Geology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Alassane Ouattara University, Bouaké, PO Box v Bouaké 01, Ivory Coast.
Coulibaly Tchowa Bintou
Department of Geosciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Peleforo Gon Coulibaly University, Korhogo, P.O. Box 1328, Ivory Coast.
Kouassi Anoma Jonathan Christian
Laboratory of Pedology and Soil Health, Joint Research and Innovation Unit-Agricultural Sciences and Transformation Processes, Houphouët Boigny National Polytechnic Institute, UMRI-SAPT/INPHB Yamoussoukro, Yamoussoukro, PO Box 1093, Ivory Coast.
Bayala Roger
Laboratory for Agricultural Production Improvement, Department of Agro-Pedology, Faculty of Agroforestry, Jean Lorougnon Guédé University, Daloa, PO Box 150, Ivory Coast.
Bakayoko Sidiky
Laboratory for Agricultural Production Improvement, Department of Agro-Pedology, Faculty of Agroforestry, Jean Lorougnon Guédé University, Daloa, PO Box 150, Ivory Coast.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The urban and peri-urban lowlands of northern Côte d’Ivoire are vital for ensuring local food security and meeting the growing demand for staple food production in cities such as Korhogo. However, these environments are under increasing pressure from soil degradation, characterised by a decline in organic carbon content, acidification and nutrient deficiencies. They are also impacted by climate change, including precipitation variability, droughts and rising temperatures. Despite their considerable agronomic and environmental potential, data on soil organic carbon stocks and the physicochemical properties of these areas is insufficient, which hinders the development of sustainable agricultural strategies. Conducted in December 2024, this study aimed to undertake an integrated analysis of soil organic carbon and physicochemical parameters in two representative peri-urban lowlands in the Korhogo region (Natio and Logokaha). The study sought to characterise the agronomic and ecological potential of these areas, identify major constraints affecting production systems under conditions of climatic variability, and propose ways to sustainably improve soil fertility. The methodology involved taking stratified soil samples at two depths (0–20 cm and 20–40 cm) along transects designed to capture topographical variability. Physico-chemical properties and bulk density were analysed in the laboratory, followed by statistical analysis of the measured parameters. The results indicate that the soils at both sites are predominantly silty and generally low in fertility, particularly with regard to organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus and exchangeable bases. There was a particular deficiency of phosphorus, and elevated sodium concentrations pose a risk of sodification. The organic carbon stock was found to be higher at Logokaha. This spatial variability highlights the need for management practices that are tailored to specific topographical units. In order to preserve and enhance soil fertility, an integrated management approach combining regular organic amendments, liming materials, judicious phosphorus fertilisation and optimised water management is recommended, thereby strengthening soil resilience in the face of climate change.
Keywords: Agroecosystems, climate change, organic carbon, soil fertility, topography