Comparative Analysis of Soil Fertility in Indonesia and Burkina Faso

Soil fertility reduction is a significant constraint on agricultural output in both wet tropical and semi-arid environments. The purpose of this study was to assess and compare the soil fertility status in Wonosalam District (Indonesia) and Toudweogo (Burkina Faso) by analysing specific physical and chemical parameters. Soil samples were obtained from these areas and tested for texture, pH, organic matter, total nitrogen, accessible phosphorus, exchangeable potassium, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and base saturation (BS). The results revealed considerable disparities between the two contexts. Wonosalam soils had a clayey texture (58.67% clay), but Toudweogo soils were mostly sandy (69.28% sand). The soil pH was acidic in both places. Organic matter content was moderate in Indonesia (3.13%), but low in Burkina Faso (1.23%). Total nitrogen levels were low in both regions (0.11% and 0.06%, respectively). Indonesia had much higher available phosphorus and exchangeable potassium levels (14.33 mg/100 g and 53 mg/100 g) than Burkina Faso (1.67 mg/100 g and 4.17 mg/100 g). CEC levels were medium in Wonosalam (21.72 cmol kg⁻¹) and low in Toudweogo (6.10 cmol kg⁻¹), but both soils maintained substantial base saturation. Sustainable management solutions should be site-specific: liming and balanced fertilization are recommended for Indonesian soils, whereas organic matter restoration, integrated soil fertility management, and water conservation practices are required for Burkina Faso soils. These findings emphasize the significance of tailoring soil management to local pedoclimatic conditions in order to boost agricultural output and long-term soil sustainability.