Extensive Pineapple Production Constraints and Land Suitability in the Centre Region of Cameroon

Abstract

The low level of productivity observed in pineapple fields in Centre Cameroon must be sustainably reduced in order to increase producers' income while using the same resources. The identification and control of production constraints are key steps in optimizing the use of limited resources. To this end, the FAO land assessment methodology following the Fuzzy-MCDM protocol was used for the two pineapple production basins in the Centre, namely Awae and Bokito. It was found that the land in Awae Basin is moderately suitable S2sf with constraints imposed by texture, pH and base saturation. In the Bokito Basin, 25% of the land is suitable S1wf and 75% is moderately suitable S2wsf with constraints imposed by soil texture (27%), temporary soil water saturation (99%), pH, base saturation and exchangeable sodium. Constraint correction improves the land index (potential suitability) and remains limited by permanent constraints that cannot be corrected. Improvement of the technical itinerary through modification of plant densities, selection of improved cultivars and balanced fertilization must be undertaken to optimize pineapple production in Centre Cameroon.