Enriched Compost with Vivianite or Basaltic Pyroclastite Powder: Better Fertilizer to Improve Artemisia Growth under High Guinean Savannah Climate of Cameroon

Abstract

This study aims to improve the productivity of Artemisia annua L. based on natural fertilizer in Adamawa-Cameroon. Field experimentations were carried out during two cropping years (2023 and 2024). A randomized complete block experimental design with 12 treatments (unfertilized plots (C-), chemical fertilizer (C+), cow dung manure-based compost (CCD),  poultry litter-based compost  (CPL), vivianite (V), pyroclastite (P), cow dung manure-based compost + vivianite (CCDV), cow dung manure-based compost + pyroclastite (CCDP),  poultry litter  based-compost + vivianite powder (CPLV), poultry litter-based compost  + pyroclastites (CPLP), cow dung manure-based compost + vivianite powder + pyroclastite (CCDVP)) and 03 replications were used. Physico-chemical characteristics of growth substrates (soil and composts), and growth parameters were evaluated. Results show that the soil of Bini-Dang is acidic and poor in mineral elements necessary for Artemisia better growth. Artemisia growth varies significantly (p<0.05) depending on fertilization and experimentation year. Overall, unfertilized plants exhibited significantly (p<0.05) the smallest growth parameters. CCDV fertilizer increased fresh biomass at 528.33% compared to C- and at 258.23% compared to C+ respectively in 2023 first cropping year. However, CPLV fertilizer increased fresh biomass at 431.65% compared to C- and at 414.33% compared to C+ in 2024 second cropping year. The supply of the following combination, 1 Kg compost derived cow dung manure + 10 g pyroclastite powder, or 1 Kg compost derived poultry litter + 10 g vivianite powder was found to be very promising in improving the sustainable Artemisia production.