Impact of organic and mineral fertilizers on the growth and biomass production of amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus L.) in Burkina Faso

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Résumé

Amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus L.) is one of the most leafy vegetables widely consumed in Burkina Faso. However, inappropriate input and unsuitable doses constitute a constraint to the optimal productivity of amaranth. This study aims to evaluate the effect of four organic fertilizers and two mineral fertilizers on the agromorphological performance of amaranth. A split plot experimental design was used with fertilizer type as the main factor (seven levels) and application dose as the second factor. Poultry manure (PM) was applied at rates of 5, 10 and 15 t/ha, while liquid organic fertilizers derived from poultry manure (LOFPM), cow dung (LOFCD), and small ruminant droppings (LOFSR) were applied at respective doses of 0.1L, 0.085L, and 0.075L each diluted in 1,5L of water. NPK fertilizer was applied at 100, 200 and 300 kg/ha, while urea was used at doses of 50, 75 and 100 kg/ha. The Witness (Control) had no fertilizer input. The agromorphological parameters assessed included number of leaves, plant height, collar diameter, and yield. The results indicated that PM produced the highest number of leaves (73.00±29.93), followed by LOFPM (59.82±26.75). The highest yields were obtained with LOFPM (7971.11±427.20
kg/ha) and PM (7195.55±211.58 kg/ha) with no significant difference (p>0.05). All LOFPM doses allowed for a high yield without significant difference (p>0.05). In contrat, PM showed a dose dependent effect with 15 t/ha producing significantly higher yields that the lower doses.

Mots-clés

Amaranth, Organic fertilizer, Mineral fertilizer, Agromorphological parameters, Yield