Effect of Mixed Bovine and Ovine Stabling on Soil Properties and on Growth and Yield of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench.) in the Sudano-Sahelian Zone of Burkina Faso

Abstract

In Burkina Faso, okra is one of the most important vegetable crops. Low soil fertility is one of the major constraints to okra production. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of mixed bovine and ovine stabling on soil properties and on growth and yield of okra in Sudano-Sahelian zone. The study was conducted during the 2023-2024 agricultural season. The experiment design used is a Randomized Complete Block Design with two treatments (with and without stabling) and four replications. The data collected are plant height, collar diameter, number of leaves, number of flowers, soil temperature and soil pH. Results of the study showed that the stabling treatment (PR) recorded the highest pH (6.27), the highest fruit weight (137.62 g plant-1) and the best fruit yield (2.75 t ha⁻¹), i.e. a yield gain of 17.62% compared to the control (TA). These results highlight that mixed cattle and sheep stabling, a source of organic matter, improves the soil and okra productivity. Thus, the practice of stabling could be an alternative to restore the soil and boost okra production in the Sudano-Sahelian zone of Burkina Faso.