Comparative Efficacy of Cashew Apple (Anacardium occidentale L.) Compost, NPK 15-15-15, and Chicken Manure Compost on the Growth and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.) in the Sudanese Savanna Region of Northern Côte d'Ivoire

Abstract

This study aimed to utilise organic residues from cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) cultivation as a soil amendment for maize (Zea mays L.) cultivation in the savannas of northern Côte d'Ivoire. In the context of an agroecological transition characterised by the high availability of still-underutilised cashew by-products, the objective was to evaluate their potential to improve the fertility of poor, acidic soils and their effects on crop productivity. The experiment, conducted using a Fischer block design, compared four treatments: a control without fertilisation (T0), cashew apple compost (CPC), chicken manure compost (CFP), and NPK mineral fertiliser. The parameters measured included vegetative growth (height, collar diameter, number and size of leaves) and yield in terms of ears and grain. The results showed that chicken manure compost produced the highest yields (7.54 t/ha in ears; 5.97 t/ha in grain), followed by NPK (6.61 t/ha and 5.25 t/ha, respectively). CPC produced intermediate yields (6.06 t/ha and 4.44 t/ha), which were nevertheless higher than those of the control (4.18 t/ha and 2.96 t/ha). In conclusion, although chicken manure compost remained the most effective treatment, cashew apple compost represented a local and sustainable alternative because it promotes the utilisation of agro-industrial residues while reducing the use of chemical fertilisers. Therefore, improving it through composting is recommended to enhance its agronomic effectiveness.