The Influence of Basalt Powder on the Physicochemical Properties of Impoverished Oxisoils from Ngaoundéré (Adamawa - Cameroon)

Abstract

The present study aims at assessing the fertilizing potential of basalts on impoverished oxisoils from Ngaoundéré (Adamawa, Cameroon). This specifically involves the application of finely ground basalts on impoverished oxisoils and monitoring changes in physicochemical properties during six months. An experimental design which consisted in a randomized complete block design is constituted of three series of four treatments each one: the control (ST), the control soil mixed with 100 g of finely ground basalt (T0 + BA_10), the control soil mixed with 200 g of finely ground basalt (T0 + BA_20), the control soil mixed with 300 g of finely ground basalt (T0 + BA_30). Each treatment was replicated ten times in every serie. The control treatment is only soils of Ng, collected at the top soil and without any basalt application. They are clayey, acid and display an average CEC. The basalt is rich in silica (47.52%), Calcium (8.22%), Magnesium (4.03%), sodium (4.01%), potassium (2.42%) and displays average content in alumina (16.54%) and iron (11.1%). The experiment was carried out in pots, and the incubated soil samples were analyzed after 0, 1, 2, 4 and 6 months. The analyzes mainly focused on the physicochemical parameters (Grain size analysis, pH, Cation exchange capacity (CEC), the sum of exchangeable bases (SBE) and the saturation rate (V). Obtained results indicated that the application of basalt greatly improved the chemical properties of oxisoils from Ngaoundéré: the pH changes from acidic (5.5) to weakly acidic (6.5); the saturation rate, as well as the sum of exchangeable bases and the cation exchange capacity increased. Physicochemical properties of the soil are closely accompanied by an increase in fertility. It appears that 10 and 20% treatments are the most efficient treatments. Thus, the basalts from Manwi can be recommended as petrofertilizer to improve the chemical properties of impoverished soils and especially for plants requiring alkalis and alkaline earth.