Effects of BK Fertiliser-based Organic-mineral Fertilisation on the Growth and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.) in the Sudano-Guinean Zone of Bouaké, Côte d’Ivoire

Abstract

Facing rapid population growth, land resources are becoming scarce, and their degradation is increasing due to inappropriate practices. This study was carried out to evaluate the agronomic potential of BK Fertiliser biofertilizer in improving maize productivity at the Food Crops Research Station of the National Agronomic Research Centre (CNRA) in Bouaké, Côte d’Ivoire. A Fisher block trial with six treatments (four doses of BK Fertiliser, one control with mineral fertilizer and one absolute control) was conducted. Growth and yield parameters were evaluated. Results show significant differences between treatments (P< 0.05). Mineral fertiliser (MF) treatment showed the best performance for fresh ear weight (218.9 ± 12.3 g for 10 ears), while BK60+1/2MF treatment gave the highest 1000-grain dry weight (252.0 ± 8.5 g). Combined BK Fertiliser + half-dose mineral fertiliser treatments (T3, T4, T5) showed promising intermediate performances with 24.5 to 26.6 ear-bearing plants compared to 20.7 for the absolute control. These results suggest that the combined use of BK Fertiliser with low doses of mineral fertilisers could be a sustainable alternative to improve maize productivity while reducing dependence on chemical inputs.