Comparative study of the properties of three types of land use belonging to the hydromorphic soil class of the corridors of the Benoue National Park

Soil, with its multiple ecological services is a natural resource. The objective of the study is to assess the level of soil degradation in the seven corridors (GalerieForestière, Buffle, Girafe, Hippotrague, Eland de derby, Cob Défassa and Cob de Buffon) of Benoue National Park (BNP), the present study was carried out from March to July 2016. “In situ” (soil pit) and “ex situ” (laboratory analysis) evaluation methods were used. Evaluation of physical properties of corridors soil showed the existence of different textures depending on the type of soil occupation, ranging from sandy, loamy to sandysilt texture. Values of bulk density (χ² = 0.16, ddl = 12, P = 1), negatively correlated with the total porosity (χ² = 2.54, ddl = 12, P = 1) in each case, indicating the low state of soil compaction. Analysis of chemical parameters of soil based on the determination of pH, electrical conductivity, organic matter, potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus contents, emphasized the negative effect of chemical pesticide residues on the environment. These different methods have highlighted the impact of cropping systems on soil degradation. It is therefore urgent to undertake methods of restoring these soils in order to preserve BNP from degradation.