Growth and Yield Performance of Three Rice Varieties under Organic and Mineral Fertilizer Combinations in Burkina Faso

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the growth and yield performance of three rice varieties under combinations of organic and mineral fertilisers in Burkina Faso and to identify a suitable organo-mineral formulation. A two-factor split-plot experiment with three replications was conducted using Nerica4, FKR84, and FKR60N. Two fertiliser dosages were assessed together with an absolute control. Dosage D1 comprised 9.4 kg of neutral soil, 600 g of organic manure, 4.5 g of NPK, and 3 g of urea, whereas D2 comprised 9.4 kg of neutral soil, 300 g of organic manure, 9 g of NPK, and 6 g of urea. The evaluated traits were production cycle, plant height, number and length of panicles, 1000-grain weight, theoretical paddy yield, and dry biomass. Fertiliser treatments significantly affected several growth- and yield-related traits, with responses varying among varieties and fertiliser combinations. Dosage D1 was associated with favourable production-cycle responses, particularly for the F6NU, F7NU, and F9NU combinations. Organo-mineral treatments also improved plant height and panicle traits, while the F2, F4, and F8 manures and their mineral-fertiliser combinations generally performed well for yield-related responses. Across the two dosages, D2 produced the more favourable paddy-yield response. These findings indicate that rice varietal performance depends on both fertiliser composition and dosage under the experimental conditions, with combined organic and mineral fertilisation showing potential for improving rice productivity. The results can be applied to guide the selection of promising organo-mineral fertiliser combinations and dosages for rice production in Burkina Faso, while field validation is needed before wider recommendation under farmers' conditions.