Impacts of p. reticulatum on chemical and biological properties of fallows in sudanian zone of Burkina faso

Piliostigma reticulatum is a pioneer species of Sahelo Sudanian fallows. It contributes to degraded soils recovery. This study aimed to measure impact of P. reticulatum on fallows soils in north and south sudanian zones of Burkina Faso. Two fallows were used for experimentation: Saria site in north sudanian zone and Sala in south Sudanian zone. Soil samples were collected on soil layer 0- 20 cm under crown, limit of the crown with a control and followed four cardinal directions for chemical and biological analysis. Chemical and statistics analyzes showed that cardinal direction influenced status of Organic mater, total nitrogen and total phosphorus, in north sudanian zone. The east side presented best status of soil fertility parameters. In south sudanian zone, cardinal directions had no significant effect on chemical elements evolution. Considering parameter under crown and limit of crown, organic matter was improved by 28.34% and 10.54% respectively in north and south Sudanian zone under the crown. Total nitrogen was enhanced by Piliostigma’s crown both in north and south Sudanian zones. Microbial activities and biomass were improved by P. reticulatum’s crown. Microbial properties of soil are more marked in south Sudanian zone than north sudanian zone.