Physico-Chemical Characteristics and Mineralogy of Soil in Catchment Areas around Penja-Manjo-Nkongsamba (Cameroon): Insights into Agriculture and Ecosystem Health

Abstract

We examine the physico-chemical and mineralogical characteristics of soils of Penja-Manjo-Nkongsamba in Cameroon to evaluate their agricultural potential and ecosystem health. XRD, titration, photometry and statistics (multivariate and PCA) were used. The results show that the soils are generally loamy, slightly acidic [pH (H2O = 5.29) > pH (KCl = 4.66; 45%)] and composed of quartz (45% - 50%), kaolinite (10% - 40%), muscovite (10% - 35%), microcline (~5%), and minor haematite. These clay minerals are of low-activity type, can reduce heavy metal contamination, and promote soil fertility as well as crop productivity, but require careful management and control of agro materials in order to protect this ecosystem.