Characterization and assessment of Cocoa based agroforestry cropping systems in Cameroun according to site conditions and fertility management

The aim of this study is to characterize and to evaluate cocoa based agroforestry systems in the central area of Cameroon. Due to lack of land, the farmers of the studied region located at the limit of cocoa optimum growth zone start to establish their plantations in savannah land. The type of environment (forest/savannah), associated with the edaphic conditions (gleysols or acrisols) led to the distinction of four types of cocoa agroforestry systems. Research has been undertaken both on farmers' practices and soil properties in order to assess the performances of the cropping system in accordance with fertility management. Local farmers' perception of fertility and its variability are determining factors of the local agricultural practices. With regards to performances for instance short immature period and soil organic matter increase during the first ten years, particular attention should be paid to cocoa agroforestry systems in savannah which appears very competitive. Finally, this study concludes that agronomic performances are better in savannah environment than in forest one without any depressive effect on agro biodiversity or soil fertility characterised by soil organic matter.