Hydrogen potential (pH) is one of the key parameters for assessing the chemical fertility of a soil. The aim of this study is to assess soil pH for sustainable agriculture around the Goundi-Djoro lowlands. The methodological approach is based on documentary research, household surveys, soil sampling followed by laboratory analysis using the potentiometric method. Soil pH values were processed according to the FAO standards in force in Burkina Faso. The spatial distribution of these values was determined using ordinary kriging on ArcGIS. The results show that the extremely acidic, very strongly acidic and strongly acidic pH classes represent 12.04%, 27.56% and 28.93% of the study area respectively. These three pH classes cover lithosols on cuirass, less evolved soils and leached tropical ferruginous soils. On the other hand, soils with weakly acidic to neutral (15.8%), slightly alkaline (4.28%) and medium alkaline (3.89%) pH levels occupy small portions of the site. These pH levels relate to eutrophic tropical brown soils (poorly evolved, ferruginized and hydromorphic). All in all, the soils on the Goundi-Djoro site are highly acidic, with an average pH of 5.45. To remedy this problem, 94% of farmers surveyed use manure or compost, either by spreading or burying it. These organic fertilizers help reduce soil acidity and promote the solubility of nutrients essential for agricultural production.
Zelbie et al. (Wed,) studied this question.