Long-term effects of conservation agriculture on soil fertility and maize productivity in Western Burkina Faso

Abstract

This study investigates the long-term effects of Conservation Agriculture (CA) on soil fertility and maize productivity in Western Burkina Faso, a region facing severe soil degradation and low agricultural productivity. This study primarily aims to assess the cumulative impacts of CA practices, including minimal soil disturbance, residue retention, and crop rotation, on key soil properties and maize yield over a 10-year period. The study was conducted in a randomized block design with two treatments: CA and conventional tillage (CT), the latter serving as the control. Soil samples were analyzed for physical and chemical properties, including bulk density, water infiltration, soil organic carbon (SOC), nitrogen, and phosphorus. Maize yield data were also collected annually to evaluate the productivity under each treatment. The results indicated significant improvements in soil physical properties under CA, including a reduction in bulk density and a 32% increase in water infiltration rates compared to CT. Furthermore, SOC, total nitrogen, and available phosphorus levels were notably higher in CA-treated plots. These soil fertility improvements contributed to a 37% increase in maize yield under CA compared to CT. Statistical analyses confirmed the significance of these differences (p < 0.01), supporting the hypothesis that CA practices can substantially enhance soil health and crop productivity. The study concludes that CA is a sustainable agricultural practice with the potential to mitigate soil degradation, improve water management, and enhance food security in Western Burkina Faso. However, widespread adoption of CA requires overcoming challenges such as initial costs, farmer training, and long-term commitment. Future research should expand to include diverse crops and evaluate the socio-economic benefits of CA.