JASFT-Abstract

Sorghum and Groundnut Yields as Influenced by Tillage, Cropping System and Soil Amendment in the Sudanian Agroecological Zone of Burkina Faso

Palé S, Sermé I, Taonda SJ-B, Ouattara K, Mason SC and Sohoro A

 

Full Length Research Paper I Published August ,2019

 

Journal of Agricultural Science and Food Technology  Vol. 5 (6), pp.109-116.

 

ABSTRACT

Experiments were conducted under rainfed conditions in the Sudanian Agroecological Zone (SAZ) of Burkina Faso from 2012 to 2014 to identify the best package of practices that will increase sorghum yields in sole cropping (Exp.1) and sorghum and groundnut yields in intercropping (Exp.2). Split plot design was used. The main plot was tillage method (T) in both studies. Sub-plot treatment was soil amendment (SA) with compost (C), mineral fertilizer (F) and crop residues (CR) in Exp.1. In Exp.2, subplot was cropping system (CS) with soil amendment (SA) of C and/or F. T and SA responses were greatest in the high rainfall year. Compared to no-till, tied-ridging produced additional grain yield of 668 kg ha-1 in Exp.1 and 250 kg ha-1 in Exp.2. Intercropped groundnut produced the highest yields with use of scarifying or no-till. SA produced the highest yields in both cropping systems, but sorghum grain yield in sole crop was 353 kg ha-1 higher than when intercropped with groundnut. The greatest sole crop sorghum yields occurred with C + F and C + F + CR application, particularly in high rainfall years. Yield increase due to C + F was 176% for grain and 120% for stover. C + F + CR increased grain yield by 174% and stover by 118%. Tied-ridging in intercropping produced highest sorghum yields but lowest groundnut yields. In conclusion good soil amendment with efficient water management can be recommended for sustainable sorghum and groundnut production in the SAZ of Burkina Faso.

 

KeyWords: Compost, Crop residues, Mineral fertilizer, No-till, Scarifying, Tied-ridging.

 

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