Effect of Six Fertilization Treatments on the Agronomic Performance of Amaranth Under Morning and Evening Irrigation Conditions in Burkina Faso
Tiama Djakaridja
Institute of the Environment and Agricultural Research (INERA/Kamboinsé), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
Bamogo Fasnèwendé Olivia
Biosciences Laboratory, Genetics and Species Improvement Team, University Joseph KI-ZERBO, 03 BP 7021, Ouagadougou 03, Burkina Faso.
Sakande Boureima *
Biosciences Laboratory, Genetics and Species Improvement Team, University Joseph KI-ZERBO, 03 BP 7021, Ouagadougou 03, Burkina Faso.
Sawadogo Nerbéwendé
Biosciences Laboratory, Genetics and Species Improvement Team, University Joseph KI-ZERBO, 03 BP 7021, Ouagadougou 03, Burkina Faso.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Leafy vegetables, particularly amaranth, are important in Burkina Faso for food security, nutrition, income generation, and livelihoods. However, their production is limited by poor soil fertility and nutrient deficiencies, highlighting the need for improved soil management and fertilisation strategies.
Aims: The general objective of this study was to contribute to improving and maintaining amaranth productivity in Burkina Faso. Specifically, the aim was to assess the effects of fertiliser treatments on the growth and agromorphological development of amaranth, and to identify the effects of fertiliser treatments on amaranth productivity.
Methodology: Six treatments were evaluated: T0: no fertiliser; T1: organic fertiliser; T2: organic fertiliser + NPK; T3: NPK; T4: organic fertiliser + composite fertiliser; T5: composite fertiliser. The plant material consisted of the Amaranthus hybridus variety known as FOTETE. The composite fertiliser consisted of urea, triple superphosphate and calcined Burkina phosphate. The design was a Fisher block with three replicates. Growth, development and harvesting parameters were evaluated.
Results: Analysis of variance and comparison of means showed that the composite fertiliser performed best in terms of growth, development and productivity. In addition, the results showed that the composite fertiliser (Urea+TSP+CBKca) produced a total leaf weight of 2347 g, compared with 1715 g under the T0 treatment.
Conclusion: The composite fertiliser (Urea+TSP+CBKca) could therefore be promoted to improve soil fertility and amaranth productivity.
Keywords: Amaranth, burkina phosphate, fertilization, agronomy