Soil and plant analysis in Cameroon

Abstract

More than sixty percent of the 12 million population of Cameroon is engaged in agriculture which contributes approximately forty percent to the Gross National Product. In order to provide quick analytical results on soils resources for higher agricultural production, the Agronomic Research Institute disposes of two major Soil and Plant Laboratories, at Ekona and Nkolbisson, respectively, in the humid and semi‐humid forest of Cameroon. In addition, the University of Dschang, in the western highlands, has a soil and plant laboratory. These laboratories are charged with: (1) carrying out the analysis of soil and plant samples, water and fertilizer quality control, (2) conducting research to adapt analytical methodology to local soil conditions, (3) carrying out interpretation of analytical results and recommendations, and (4) conducting training of students enrolled in agriculture and related fields. The Ekona Laboratory is well equiped, meets international standards, and conducts most of the soil and plant analyses in the country.