Growth and Yield Performance of Zea mays L. under Faidherbia albida (DEL.) A. CHEV and Parkia biglobosa (JACQ.) R. BR. Agroforestry Systems in Northern Côte d’Ivoire

Abstract

Background:  In northern Côte d’Ivoire’s Sudanian zone, climate stress and soil degradation reduce crop yields, while agroforestry trees like shea, locust bean, and Faidherbia albida support livelihoods and soil fertility, though their density is declining and their specific effects on maize-based systems remain insufficiently studied. Aims: To enhance ecosystem resilience against climatic constraints by evaluating the effects of these two species on maize development and productivity in the Sudanese zone. Study Design: The experiment followed a Randomized Complete Block Design with a factorial arrangement of treatments. The factors included tree species (Faidherbia albida and Parkia biglobosa) and distance from the trunk (beneath and outside). Each treatment was replicated four times, with an experimental unit consisting of three maize plants, resulting in a total of 144 plants monitored. Place and Duration of Study: Study was conducted in the Sudanese zone of Northern Côte d’Ivoire in Karakoro village (Korhogo). The experiment was carried out over a 5-month period, from June to October, 2025, covering the entire maize cropping cycle. Methodology: The study used a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with a factorial arrangement to compare the effects of Faidherbia albida and Parkia biglobosa on maize performance. Growth and yield parameters (height, diameter, grain weight, and total yield) were measured on 144 plants across two positions—beneath the canopy and outside (control)—with four replicates of three plants per treatment. Results: The results demonstrated contrasting tree-crop interactions, where Faidherbia albida enhanced maize growth and yield, whereas Parkia biglobosa exerted competitive effects. Under F. albida, maize achieved the highest growth (stem diameter of 29.5 mm) and a 43% grain weight increase compared to the control. In contrast, P. biglobosa significantly hindered performance, with the beneath position recording the lowest growth dynamics and a 30% reduction in grain weight. Conclusion: This study evaluated the comparative impacts of F. albida and P. biglobosa on maize production in northern Côte d'Ivoire. The findings demonstrate that these species exert contrasting effects on crop growth and yield. While the results highlight the significant advantages of F. albida’s reverse phenology, they also reveal the resource competition challenges associated with P. biglobosa in the Sudanese zone.