Using mucuna and P fertilizer to increase maize grain yield and N fertilizer use efficiency in the coastal savanna of Togo

摘要: To reduce severe soil degradation associated with agriculture an intensified land-use system is being promoted in West African countries. Most soils of the savanna zones are so poor that efficiency mineral fertilizers, if applied, very low. For this reason and because their high cost unavailability, many small-scale farmers reluctant to apply fertilizer. This work investigates a fertilizer management strategy using integrated fertility leguminous cover crop (mucuna) as improve increase use The experiment was conducted coastal Togo at Djaka Kope. aim evaluate effectiveness mucuna short fallow (MSF) increasing maize grain yield through improved A 2-year maize–mucuna relay intercropping compared continuous sole cropping. Fertilizer treatments were factorial combinations 0, 50 100 kg nitrogen (N) ha–1 20 40 phosphorus (P) ha–1. While significantly increased by N fertilization, P did not show any important effect on yield. With no after MSF average 40% (572 ha–1) higher than without. response much greater MSF, indicating undoubtedly key element for building. fertilization together positively influenced apparent recovery fraction (NRF). uptake alone reflect its own obtained, relationship between shifted per unit without MSF. Combining may therefore lead efficiency, making application (lower rates) more attractive farmers.