Soil Quality Index Under Different Land Uses in the Guinean High Savannas of the Faro and Deo Subdivision (Adamawa, Cameroon)

To effectively address land degradation, a clearer understanding of changes in soil quality indicators within agroecosystems is necessary, along with insights into how these indicators with land characteristics. This study aims to identify the minimum dataset (MDS) required to assess the soil quality index (SQI) across different land uses in the Guinean High Savana agroecological zone of Cameroon specifically in the Faro and Deo subdivision. A total of 100 topsoil samples (0–30 cm) were analyzed for their physicochemical properties, with 70 in GL, 22 in CL, and eight in NF. One‐way ANOVA results clearly show significant differences across land use for N ( p < 0.0001), OC ( p < 0.0001), C:N ratio ( p < 0.0001), K ( p < 0.0001), Al ( p < 0.05), and silt fraction ( p < 0.05). Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to determine key soil indicators. These indicators were used to evaluate and compare the SQI across various land uses. The identified MDS includes organic carbon (OC), cation exchange capacity (CEC), pH (water), silt fraction, sum of exchangeable bases (SEBs), total nitrogen (N), and magnesium (Mg). The different land use systems significantly influenced the variation of these soil parameters. The SQI was highest (0.55–0.60) in native forests (0.59), moderate (0.45–0.54) in grazing (0.50) land, and lowest (0.38–0.44) in cultivated lands (0.43), with the sequence of soil quality across land uses following the order: native forest > grazing land > cultivated lands. This study highlights the critical role of land use practices in influencing soil properties, soil quality, and the intensity of degradation. Therefore, the sustainable land management practices (agroforestry) are essential for maintaining and improving soil health, particularly in cultivated and grazing lands. Additionally, spatial and temporal variation of the selected MDS and SQI can offer further agricultural land use planning insights.