Vol. 6, Issue 2, Part A (2024)

Soil degradation, driven by conventional farming practices, presents a significant challenge to agricultural sustainability in Western Burkina Faso. Conservation Agriculture (CA), characterized by minimal soil disturbance, crop rotation, and residue mulching, has emerged as a potential solution to restore soil health and enhance productivity. This study aimed to assess the long-term impacts of various CA practices on soil microbial communities, soil biochemical properties, and enzyme activity. The primary objectives were to evaluate the effects of no-tillage, residue mulching, and crop rotation on microbial diversity, soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), and the activity of key enzymes involved in carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycling. Soil samples were collected from four fields representing different agricultural practices—no-tillage, residue mulching, crop rotation, and conventional tillage—over a four-year period. Microbial diversity was analyzed through 16S rRNA and ITS sequencing, while biochemical properties, including SOC and TN, were measured using standard laboratory methods. Enzyme activities related to soil fertility, such as β-glucosidase, urease, and phosphatase, were also assessed. The results indicated that CA practices significantly enhanced microbial diversity, particularly under residue mulching, and improved soil biochemical properties, with SOC and TN levels higher in CA plots compared to conventional tillage. Enzyme activities related to nutrient cycling were significantly elevated in CA systems, reflecting enhanced microbial activity and improved soil health. These findings support the hypothesis that CA practices foster more resilient and fertile soils. The study concludes that the adoption of CA, especially residue mulching, no-tillage, and crop rotation, can substantially improve soil health, increase agricultural productivity, and contribute to sustainable farming systems in semi-arid regions.