Practical methods of estimating organic C in soils of the Sahel, West Africa

This presentation summarizes research with the following objectives: (1)to compare three methods of soil carbon determination in West African soils, (2)to evaluate the Loss On Ignition (LOI) method of measuring soil organic carbon, and (3)to explore ways to increase LOI calibration in West African Soils. Conclusion: LOI has significant advantages over combustion and Walkley and Black methods in its ease and technical simplicity and its environmental friendliness.