Effects of charcoal production on soil biodiversity and soil physical and chemical properties in Togo, West Africa

Abstract

In Togo, traditional energy sources including charcoal represent 80% out of total household energy requirements. The techniques of charcoal production in earth kiln are quite common. During carbonization, the temperature rises from 20 to over 500°C. This study focuses on the impact of this high temperature on the soil properties and soil fauna in three biogeographical zones of Togo. The methodology used consists in comparison of soil sampling in surface layer (0-20 cm depth) inside burnt plot i.e. inside the kiln to an unburnt plot in charcoal production area. The results revealed that the soil physical, chemical and microbial properties were altered. The organic matter was destroyed; it is higher at the unburnt plot level than inside the kiln. The soil pH increased at the kiln level by the provision of rich ash bases during the carbonization. Fire increased the permeability at the kiln level by raising the bulk density and the total porosity of soil. The variation in microbial biomass induced by the heat around the kilns is different according to the ecosystem; it is of 15 m radius around the kilns in Sudanian or Guinean savanna areas while this radius is 5 m in Semi-deciduous forest. The soil fauna assessment permitted to record 81 microorganisms belonging essentially to the Beetles,

Effect of charcoal production and woodland type on soil organic carbon and total nitrogen in drylands of southern Mozambique

“…Finally, we observed no significant changes in soil bulk density as a result of charcoal production, aligning with findings from Ueckert et al (1978). Our observed changes in soil bulk density are higher than 28% from Fontodji et al (2009).…”

Population structure and minimum felling diameter of Pterocarpus erinaceus Poir in arid and semi-arid climate zones of West Africa

“…The establishment of parks based on P. erinaceus distribution for fodder production merits investigation. In addition to the use of leaves as fodder, the species is harvested for timber, service wood and fuel in the Sudanian and Guinean zones (Fontodji et al, 2009(Fontodji et al, , 2011Kokou et al, 2009). In Togo, according to the Ministry of Environment and Forest Resources, nearly 3500 m 3 of P. erinaceus planks were exported in 2008, of which only 500 m 3 were legally harvested in natural habitats (MERF/OIBT, 2010).…”

Modelling soil erosion response to sustainable landscape management scenarios in the Mo River Basin (Togo, West Africa)

“…The study area covers three protected areas (PAs): Fazao-Malfakassa National Park, Aledjo Wildlife Reserve, and Kemeni Forest Reserve. The prominent environmental issues are land degradation due to overgrazing, unsustainable agricultural land use, fuel wood harvesting, and charcoal production (Aboudou, 2012;Fontodji et al, 2011;Fontodji et al, 2009).…”