SALINIZATION AND SODIFICATION OF THE LAKE CHAD POLDERS: IMPACT ON AGRICULTURE AND LOCAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

This study focuses on assessing salinization and sodification in the soil profiles polders in the Lake Province. The salinization and sodification of polder soils result from key factors such as endorheism, the capillary rise of brackish groundwater, wind and water erosion. Additionally, inappropriate agricultural practices, including archaic irrigation methods combined with deep plowing techniques, affect the soil structure of developed and semi-developed polders. These salinized and sodic soils are characterized by the predominance of pale yellow (2.5Y 9.5/2) and white (2.5Y 9.5/1) colors. Physicochemical analysis of these soils reveals a basic pH (pH > 8), relatively high electrical conductivity (EC > 2.5 dS/m), a heavy clayey texture (HCT), and a compact structure. The values of these parameters, exceeding tolerable thresholds, clearly indicate soil degradation, leading to a decline in agricultural production.