Explanatory factors of Zea mays var FBC6 yields in the Anacardium occidentale L. Parklands at Logofourousso in Western Burkina Faso

Abstract

Initially introduced to orchards in Western Burkina Faso, Anacardium occidentale L. is a woody component in Agroforestry parklands. Its influence on crop performance is a concern for growers. The main objective of the present study is to characterize the interactions between Anacardium occidentale and Zea mays. Specifically, it aims to determine the factors influencing maize development in cashew parklands, and to assess maize yields in these parklands. So, experiments were carried out during two rainy seasons from 2021 to 2022, on plots of Cashew-Maize and Maize alone, with three replications each of them. Some parameters supposed to explain the maize yields were measured on the two systems : Soil physico-chemical compositions have been determined from 0-40 cm under the ground ; parameters were measured in terms of soil humidity from 0 to 60 cm, and plant height growth during the vegetative phases of the crops. The maize photosynthetic assimilation was also measured on maize plants. The root excavations have been done to establish cashew and maize root systems from 0 to 60 cm depth. At last maize yields concerning were evaluated on the two production systems. Data were statistically analyzed using XLSTAT software. The cashew-corn plots showed a C (0.21%), N (0.02%), P (0.91 mg/kg) and K (29.59 mg/kg) content for the 0-20 cm horizon. These values are similar for the maize-only system, and are less than 1%. Soil humidity also increased with depth in both systems. The numbers of maize roots predominate in the 10-15 cm horizons, while cashew roots are concentrated 35-40 cm below the soil surface. Chlorophyll uptake during the crop maturity phase between the systems was not significant (P<0.72), with an average value of 0.009 (±0.004) mg/mm2/day for the cashew-corn system. Grain production was estimated at 0.31±0.16 kg/m2 for the cashew-corn plots. Beyond the socio-economic interests that justified its introduction into the Agrarian landscape, Anacardium occidentale is a species that does not interfere negatively with annual crops.