The Management of Acid Soils in Africa

Abstract

Acid soils cover more than a third of Subsaharan Africa. Due to their poor fertility, aluminium toxicity and fragile structure, their agricultural productivity is low and declines rapidly under cultivation, The sustainable use of these soils requires adequate inputs of nutrients and amendments in the form of fertilizers, organic matter and sometimes lime. In view of population pressure the gradual intensification of the cultivation of acid soils, often the last reserve of underutilized land, is essential for Africa's economic growth. Sustainable increases in productivity can only be achieved by a gradual transformation of traditional farming systems through development pathways that take full account of socioeconomic and agroecological diversity.