Soil quality is a key determinant of vegetation cover dynamics in tropical protected areas, yet its quantitative relationship with vegetation degradation under anthropogenic pressure remains poorly documented at the profile scale in West African savannas. This study, carried out in Comoé National Park (CNP, north-eastern Côte d’Ivoire), tested the hypothesis that the forest-savanna vegetation gradient along an approximately 800 m transect of the corresponds to a measurable decline in soil quality driven by increasing anthropogenic pressure at the park periphery. Five pedological profiles were excavated in March 2023, morphologically described and analysed following ISRIC protocols, and classified using WRB 2022. Clay cation exchange capacity (clay-CEC) and available phosphorus (P) were used as primary soil quality indicators. Results revealed a systematic soil quality gradient from gallery forest to degraded tree savanna: clay-CEC in the argillic horizon decreased from 27.4 cmol (c) kg⁻1 (Ferric Lixisol, gallery forest) to 9.5 cmol (c) kg⁻1 (Ferric Acrisol, degraded savanna), while available P declined from 16.3 to 0.1–1.4 mg kg⁻1. Three mid-slope profiles classified as Stagnic Ferric Acrisols showed temporary waterlogging from 10–11 cm depth and near-complete P immobilisation, directly constraining rooting depth and woody species regeneration. Two pedological anomalies were documented: MnO2-mediated pH buffering (pH 7.0) and smectite neoformation (CEC = 148 mmol⁺ kg⁻1) under pseudo-gley conditions. These findings establish a quantitative edaphic basis for vegetation cover decline in the CNP periphery and support differentiated conservation management strategies.

This study, carried out in San Pedro (Southwest Côte d’Ivoire), evaluates the agronomic valorization of wastewater treatment sludge (WTS) and green waste (GW) through co-composting for sustainable soil improvement and circular economy promotion. Four GW/ WTS formulations (Co1: 0/100, Co2: 25/75, Co3: 50/50, Co4: 75/25) were monitored over 90 days, with regular measurements of temperature, moisture, and pH. Mature composts were characterized for physico-chemical properties, biological maturity, and heavy metal content. A weighted multicriteria matrix, based on ten strategic indicators, identified Co3 as the optimal formulation (score 40/45), outperforming Co4, Co2, and Co1. Co3 reached 65 °C by day 40, satisfying sanitary requirements, maintained optimal moisture, increased soil organic carbon by 284 %, corrected pH to 7.9, and complied with NFU 44-051 heavy metal standards. The heatmap and hierarchical clustering analysis confirmed its superiority, positioning Co3 as a safe and effective amendment for sustainable agriculture adapted to local soils.

The comparative study of cocoa-based agroforests, fallow lands, and forests in the Akoupé department reveals promising results in combating climate change. Cocoa-based agroforests (SAFs) stand out with a higher average nitrogen content (0.22) compared to fallow lands (0.14) and forests (0.08), promoting carbon sequestration and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Correlation analysis shows a moderate positive relationship between nitrogen and potassium, enhancing nutrient utilization and strengthening crop resilience against climate variations. While SAFs sometimes exceed sustainable agriculture thresholds for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and to a lesser extent, fallow lands for nitrogen, sustainable management practices (crop rotation, organic fertilization) can mitigate these exceedances. Overall, SAFs prove to be powerful allies against climate change. Their carbon sequestration capacity, resilience, and agricultural potential make them essential systems for sustainable agriculture. These findings can guide farmers and policymakers towards environmentally friendly practices and contribute to a greener and more sustainable future.

The study was realized to evaluate the soil fertility potential in cocoa in Côte d’Ivoire. A total of 140 farmers’ plots from 14 producing regions were randomly selected for soil sampling in the 0-20 cm horizon. Soil samples for chemical analyses were performed on the following parameters: pH-water, total organic C, total N, available P and exchangeable cations. Both organic C and total N were low. Although, available P was rated high Low. Cation exchange capacity (CEC) was an indication that the soils have low potential for plant nutrients retention. A guided fertilizer usage should be recommended to cocoa farmers to boost the productivity of the cash crop.