Influence of Microdose of Mineral Fertilizer and Organic Manure on the Production of Groundnuts in Southern Benin

Abstract

The use of mineral fertilizers improves crop production and soil productivity. However, its access remains limited to smallholder farmers. This study aim to assess the influence of microdose of mineral fertilizer and organic manure on the production of groundnuts. Field experience was carried out using Fischer design with five treatments and five replications: T control (Without organic matter and fertilizer); T0 recommended dose of mineral fertilizer (103.77 kg/ha or 0.93 g/poquet 15 days after sowing); T1 recommended dose of mineral fertilizer and organic matter (0.5 kg/m²); T2 microdose of mineral fertilizer (0.57 g NPKSB [14-23-14-5-1] 15 days after sowing); T3 microdose of mineral fertilizer and organic matter (0.5 kg/m²). Linear mixed-effect models were used to analyze the data. The results showed that the microdose of mineral fertilizer and / or organic manure had a significant effect on yield parameters such as aboveground biomass (fresh or dry), the number of nodules and the weight of the groundnuts pods (Prob < 0.05). The treatment T2 (microdose of mineral fertilizer) increased grain yields (8.1±1.5 g/plant) compared to other treatments. Thus, the microdose of mineral fertilizer is economically more profitable than the recommended dose.