Effects of Agro-Ecological Practices on Soil Health and Sorghum Yield as Influenced by Climate Change in the Sudan-Sahelian Zone of Burkina Faso

Author(s): Harouna Ouédraogo, Edmond Hien, Yacouba Diallo, Poulouma Louis Yaméogo, Udo Nehren

Drought and low soil fertility remain significant constraints to agricultural production in Burkina Faso. Agro-ecological practices like stone rows (SR), zaï (Z), and ridge tillage (RT) have been developed to cope with these challenges. This study aimed to determine the influence of SR, Z, zaï combined with stone rows (Z_SR), and RT on soil health and sorghum productivity. The experiment was set up in a randomized Fisher bloc design, with four treatments and five replications. Measurements were carried out on soil parameters and sorghum yield components. The results showed that SR, Z, and Z_SR increased soil moisture content by 5.73%, 23.16%, and 23.55%, respectively, compared to RT. They increased soil carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus content and pH values. Additionally, they increased grains yield by 130%, 271.36%, and 268.57%, respectively, compared to RT, while straw yields increased by 6.78%, 93.29%, and 66.30%, respectively. The 1000-grain weight increased by 7.08%, 16.23%, and 16.01% for SR, Z, and Z_SR compared to RT. SR improved soil respiration. RT and SR influenced termite development. SR positively influenced the development of earthworms. These results affirm zaï and zaï combined with stone rows as climate-smart entry point to restoring degraded soil and boosting sustainable production.