EFFECTS OF LIQUID ORGANIC FERTILIZER ON SOIL CHEMICAL PARAMETERS: MAIZE COMPONENTS AND YIELDS

Abstract

Burkina Faso, like other countries, is facing the challenge to increase agricultural production face in the strong demographic growth. Agricultural production is hampered by declining soil fertility, which compromises crop yields. The aim of this study is to help increase crop yields and soil fertility. A completely randomised block design with three replications comprising five (05) treatments was set up. The fertilizers used were : NPK (15-15-15), urea (46%N) and liquid organic fertilizer. The liquid organic fertilizer was made using cowpea flour neem leaves. Sugar and animal waste (cow dung and urine). Soil samples were taken at six periods. The first sample was taken before sowing. Followed by four more during cultivation and one just after harvesting. Measurements of height and diameter of the rod were taken on the 30th. 45th. 60th and 75th day after sowing. Harvest results show that T1 recorded the best pH-water value (6.75) and total phosphorus (410.66 mg/kg). The T4 gave the highest levels of organic carbon (1.5%) and total nitrogen (1.44%). Concerning the CEC, the highest content is obtained with T2 with a value of 10.23 cmol/kg. As for total potassium, the highest content is in T3, at 652.44 mg/kg. At the maturity, T2 has the highest average diameter at 16.35 mm. In terms of height, the absolute control present the tallest plants with an average value of 1.41m. The highest yields were obtained with T4 (1983.23 kg/ha), followed by T2 (1834.9 kg/ha). T1 (1723.43 kg/ha) and T3 (1557.12 kg/ha). Liquid organic fertilizer has been effective in producing grain yields at a rate of 40.58%. The liquid organic fertilizer applied alone has high carbon, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, total potassium and CEC content compared with the control. It was also efficient in grain yield production with a rate of 40.58%. In fact, it is imperative to carry out a test in a paysan environment before popularizing it.