Effect of Cattle Dung Biochar Combined with Moderate Mineral Fertilizer on the Agronomic Performance of Luffa (Luffa cylindrica) in Northern Côte d’Ivoire

Abstract

Background: In Côte d'Ivoire, luffa cultivation is a source of nutrients and income generation for rural women. Luffa producers generally use mineral fertilizers such as NPK and urea to address soil fertility issues. However, excessive application of these mineral fertilizers reduces the agronomic efficiency of nutrients and significantly limits yields. Aims: The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of cattle dung biochar combined with a moderate quantity of mineral fertilizer on the production parameters of the luffa crop. Methodology: A Fisher block design with four treatments (Zero fertilizer, Cattle dung biochar, Cattle dung biochar+Half conventional dose of mineral fertilizer and Conventional dose of mineral fertilizer) and tree replications was used. The effect of the treatments was evaluated on the number of fruits per plant, fruit weight, fruit production per plant and crop yield. Results: The highest average number of fruits per plant (11.00 ± 1.00) was obtained with the conventional mineral fertilizer treatment. For the other parameters, the highest values were recorded for the treatment with biochar from cattle manure + ½ conventional dose of mineral fertilizer. The average values obtained for this treatment were 376.80 ± 37.06 g for fruit weight, 2637.66 ± 259.46 g for fruit production per plant, and 10.55 ± 1.03 t.ha⁻¹ for luffa crop yield. Conclusion: Cattle dung biochar combined with a moderate dose of mineral fertilizer improved the agronomic performance of the luffa crop. Thus, this Integrated Soil Fertility Management technology is a relevant option for sustainable intensification of luffa cultivation.