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<p>Maize productivity has substantially decreased in Sub-Saharan Africa due to inherent low soil fertility and inadequate management practices. Integrated soil fertility management, combining organic and mineral fertilizers, offers a promising strategy to enhance crop yields and sustain smallholder farming systems. This study assessed the combined effects of cattle corralling (35–38 TLUs on 490&#xa0;m<sup>2</sup> plots) duration (0 (C0), 10 (C10), and 15 (C15) nights) and mineral fertilizer rates (0% (NF), 50% (50F), and 100% (100F) of the recommended rate: 76&#xa0;kg&#xa0;N, 13.1&#xa0;kg&#xa0;P, 24.9&#xa0;kg&#xa0;K&#xa0;ha<sup>−1</sup>) on maize productivity, nutrient and rainwater use efficiencies, and soil chemical properties over two growing seasons (2012–2013) in northern Benin. Cattle corralling (C10 and C15) led to substantial gains in maize grain and stover yields, as well as more efficient use of rainwater, compared to uncorralling control (C0). Corralling also resulted in notable increases in soil organic carbon, available phosphorus (P), and exchangeable potassium (K) relative to the initial soil conditions. While recovery efficiencies of nitrogen (N), P, and K declined with increasing mineral fertilizer rates under C0, they remained relatively stable under C10 and C15. Internal nutrient efficiencies were highest when corralling was combined with a moderate fertilizer rate (50F). A 10-night corralling treatment without or with 50F proved to be a practical and sustainable approach for supporting maize production and maintaining soil quality in smallholder crop–livestock systems. However, there is potential to further refine this approach through shorter durations (&lt;10&#xa0;days) or adjustments in the area covered. Future research should explore the long-term impacts of corralling, including soil health, yield stability, and system resilience, as well as the potential of complementary practices such as mulching and biochar application. In addition, distinguishing and quantifying the individual contributions of manure and urine would offer deeper insight into their specific roles in nutrient cycling and soil dynamics. Encouraging collective corralling initiatives, involving pastoralist communities, and integrating these methods into national soil health policies could facilitate wider adoption and enhance the sustainability of mixed farming systems.</p>

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Soil fertility, maize productivity, and nutrient use efficiency following different cattle corralling duration and mineral fertilizer application on a Lixisol in Benin

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年9月2日

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  • Pierre G. Tovihoudji,
  • André Adjogboto,
  • Sissou Zakari,
  • Mouiz W. I. A. Yessoufou,
  • Jonas A. Djenontin,
  • P. B. Irénikatché Akponikpè

摘要

Maize productivity has substantially decreased in Sub-Saharan Africa due to inherent low soil fertility and inadequate management practices. Integrated soil fertility management, combining organic and mineral fertilizers, offers a promising strategy to enhance crop yields and sustain smallholder farming systems. This study assessed the combined effects of cattle corralling (35–38 TLUs on 490 m2 plots) duration (0 (C0), 10 (C10), and 15 (C15) nights) and mineral fertilizer rates (0% (NF), 50% (50F), and 100% (100F) of the recommended rate: 76 kg N, 13.1 kg P, 24.9 kg K ha−1) on maize productivity, nutrient and rainwater use efficiencies, and soil chemical properties over two growing seasons (2012–2013) in northern Benin. Cattle corralling (C10 and C15) led to substantial gains in maize grain and stover yields, as well as more efficient use of rainwater, compared to uncorralling control (C0). Corralling also resulted in notable increases in soil organic carbon, available phosphorus (P), and exchangeable potassium (K) relative to the initial soil conditions. While recovery efficiencies of nitrogen (N), P, and K declined with increasing mineral fertilizer rates under C0, they remained relatively stable under C10 and C15. Internal nutrient efficiencies were highest when corralling was combined with a moderate fertilizer rate (50F). A 10-night corralling treatment without or with 50F proved to be a practical and sustainable approach for supporting maize production and maintaining soil quality in smallholder crop–livestock systems. However, there is potential to further refine this approach through shorter durations (<10 days) or adjustments in the area covered. Future research should explore the long-term impacts of corralling, including soil health, yield stability, and system resilience, as well as the potential of complementary practices such as mulching and biochar application. In addition, distinguishing and quantifying the individual contributions of manure and urine would offer deeper insight into their specific roles in nutrient cycling and soil dynamics. Encouraging collective corralling initiatives, involving pastoralist communities, and integrating these methods into national soil health policies could facilitate wider adoption and enhance the sustainability of mixed farming systems.