This study, conducted in Akressi, Côte d’Ivoire, assesses the impact of cover crops (Arachis repens and Desmodium adscendens) on soil properties and dessert banana production (Cavendish, Grande-Naine) over two cycles. Ferralitic soils, degraded by intensive monoculture, are examined using a Fischer block design with three treatments: control (bare soil with herbicides), A. repens, and D. adscendens. Soil physical properties (bulk density: 1.90–1.94 g/cm3, porosity: 25.15–27.18%, gravimetric moisture: 17.34–21.58%) remain unchanged (p > 0.05). After 12 months, cover crops enhance chemical properties: pH (5.80 control, 6.03 A. repens, 5.93 D. adscendens), organic carbon (1.11% control, 1.24% A. repens, 1.38% D. adscendens), organic matter (1.90% control, 2.13% A. repens, 2.37% D. adscendens), nitrogen (0.10% control, 0.11% A. repens, 0.12% D. adscendens), CEC (5.38 cmol/kg control, 7.20 cmol/kg A. repens, 8.61 cmol/kg D. adscendens), and calcium (1.56 cmol/kg control, 1.66 cmol/kg A. repens, 1.75 cmol/kg D. adscendens) increase significantly (p < 0.05). In the first cycle, growth (height: 245–247 cm) and yield (41.21–42.08 t/ha) are similar (p > 0.05). In the second cycle, control plants are taller (271.76 cm vs. 255.36 cm A. repens); A. repens delays flowering (158 vs. 135 days) and harvest (235 vs. 214 days D. adscendens) and reduces functional leaves (10.84 vs. 11.66 control at flowering) (p < 0.01). Desmodium adscendens increases hands (7.82 vs. 7.33 A. repens) and fingers (140.57 vs. 127.10 A. repens) (p < 0.05). Yields remain comparable (44.17 control, 44.36 A. repens, 44.50 t/ha D. adscendens). Cover crops, particularly D. adscendens, enhance soil chemical fertility without compromising yield, supporting sustainable banana production.
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