Institut Polytechnique Rural de Formation et de Recherche Appliquée (IPR, IFRA), Département des Sciences et Techniques Agricoles, Unité science du sol, BP 06 Koulikoro, Mali
The deficiency in available phosphorus for crops is a major constraint on cereal production in Mali. The objective of this study was to assess the combined effects of phosphorus sources at different rate and tillage practice on maize agronomic performance and soil chemical properties. The treatments used consisted of the combination of three sources of phosphorus at three doses each and two types of tillage, arranged in a split-plot device with three repetitions. Contour plowing increased corn grain yield by 22 and 16% compared to conventional plowing in 2013 and 2014, respectively, and improved the availability of PNT's phosphorus due to its ability to increase soil moisture. Maize growth and phosphorus uptake were better with contour plowing compared to conventional plowing with an increase of 44% and 65% respectively in 2013 and 2014. Relative agronomic efficiency was higher with contour plowing. level compared to conventional plowing. The powdered form of PNT significantly (P <0.05) increased phosphorus adsorption indices compared to the granule form. These results show that there is a great opportunity to improve maize production in Mali through the use of natural phosphorus combined with an adequate tillage practice.