Analysis of the diversity of cropping systems and management of woody and shrubby trees in agroforestry parks in the northern Sudanian zone of Burkina Faso

Abstract

Improving soil fertility in Sahelian agroforestry parks requires knowledge and understanding of the cropping systems and woody plant management practices found there. This article analyzes the diversity of cropping systems and soil fertility management practices in agroforestry parks. It is based on data from a qualitative survey and direct observations conducted in three villages in the northern Sudanian zone of Burkina Faso with a total sample of 37 producers. The survey covered 112 fields, including 71 scrubland fields, 30 shebang fields and 11 village fields. The scrubland fields, which are larger (1.49 ha on average per producer), contain all tree species and 83 % of the shrub species listed. They are also distinguished by the more widespread practice of crop rotation (71.83 % of fields), zaï (84.51 %), and mulching of woody biomass from the fields (80.28 %) and collected from the forest (73.24 %). The shebang fields, which are smaller in size (0.71 ha on average per farmer), are more subject to continuous monoculture (76.67 %). The scrubland fields seem to concentrate the efforts of sustainable soil management.