Correlations among soils’ features,forest plant species,and vegetable crops in Tokpli mining zone (South Togo)

ABSTRACT

Agriculture and forestry resources are central to African development. In this study, Tokpli mining zone (Togo) soils were characterised and the ones appropriate to garden crops and reforested species identified and located on a map using several database and literature. Results showed that tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum) and chilli pepper (Capsicum annuum) are suitable for slightly acidic clay soils of Ahlimegni. Abelmoschus esculentus is suitable for Assou-kondji soil. Solanum macrocarpon was found appropriate to Ziome-kondji and Anagonou-kpota soils. Forest species such as Salix babylonica, Khaya senegalensis, Eucalyptus spp., and Terminalia superba exhibited best growth on slightly acidic clay soils of Ahlimegni area, rich in organic matter. Acacia auriculiformis, Azadirachta indica, Cola gigantea, and Albizia zigya can grow better on the slightly basic sandy soils of Anagonou-kpota and Ziome-kondji. Other species like Gmelina arborea, Mangifera indica, Salix babylonica, and Morinda lucida were found not selective and could be reforested on all soil types.