Enhancing Green Bean Production on Acid Oxisols Using Basalt Fines in the Cameroon Western Highlands

Abstract

Rock fines have been proposed as alternative to chemical fertilizers, but their application rates and performances on various crops are still poorly understood. This work aims to test the fertilizing potential of basalt fines for Green beans production on acid Oxisols. A field experiment using a completely randomized block design (CRBD) was conducted on a 60 m² plot.". Treatments were: T0(0), T1(5 t ha₋1 basalt fines), T2(10 t ha₋1 basalt fines), T3(15 t ha₋1), T4(20 t ha₋1 basalt fines), T5(5 t ha₋1 poultry manure), T6 (110 Kg. ha₋1 NPK 14₋23₋14). Fieldwork was followed by laboratory analysis of soils before and after treatment of the experimental units. The main results revealed that T0 was very acidic, but basalt and poultry manure (PM) application reduced acidity while NPK further increased soil acidity. The exchangeable bases and base saturation also increased after treatment with basalt and PM.  The yield of green beans was such that T4>T1>T6>T3>T5>T0 >T2. Economically, all treatments were negative except T1 (Benefit-to-cost ratio, BCR=1.35<2), suggesting that none of the treatments can be popularized for green beans production. Nevertheless, production could be increased based on appropriate farming and chemical techniques aimed at reducing soil acidity and boosting nutrient capital reserves. This study addresses a critical need for environmentally friendly alternatives to chemical fertilizers, aligning with sustainable agriculture goals. To increase its applicability and impact, more focus should be placed on the long-term environmental advantages and real-world uses.