This study aims to identify the optimal microdose of fertilizer in millet production fields, where Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) practices are already carried out. The experiment was carried out in 26 villages practicing RNA, including 10 villages in the strict Sahelian zone, 10 villages in the Sahelo-Sudanian zone and 6 villages in the north-Sudanian zone of south-central Niger. A randomized block device is installed in each village comprising 5 treatments (RNA; RNA + Organic manure (F); RNA + F + NPK; RNA + Natural Phosphate of Tahoua (PNT) + F; RNA + PNT) and a next control the four cardinal points. The parameters measured are: height growth, number of tillers, grain and millet straw yields. The results showed that the highest average height of the plants is obtained for the RNA + PNT treatment in the strict Sahelian zone (283.9 ± 86.2 cm) and the high number of average tillers for the control in the northern zone. -Sudanian (10.04 ± 3.1). In all areas, straw yields. The Sahelo-Sudanian zone obtains the highest average grain (464.1 ± 213.9 kg / ha) and straw (2126 ± 1193 kg / ha) millet yields for the RNA + F + NPK treatment. On the other hand, the lowest yields of the controls are obtained in the strict Sahelian zone, with 133.3 ± 122.7 kg / ha for the grains and 238.5 ± 238.2 ka / ha for the straw. These results can be used in the optimization of millet production in agrosystems in Niger.
This study aims to characterize the diversity and distribution of woody forage species in the agrosystems of the Maradi region along a North-Central-South gradient. Data were collected in 187 plots of 50 x 50 m2 each, i.e., 2500 m² in area. These data were subjected to a factorial correspondence analysis (FCA) followed by a hierarchical ascending classification (HAC) with 50% similarity, which allowed the identification of three plant groupings, G1, G2, and G3, that characterize the Dakoro, Guidan Roumdji, and Madarounfa sites respectively. The results showed that a total of 13 families were identified in all zones, with a predominance of Fabaceae in Guidan Roumdji (81.25%), Dakoro (70.68%), and Madarounfa (41.35%). The highest tree density was obtained in Madarounfa (10.43 individuals/ha), followed by Guidan Roumdji (7.76 individuals/ha), and finally Dakoro (7.6 individuals/ha). The most dominant biological types are microphanerophytes in Guidan Roumdji (92.19%), followed by Mesophanerophytes in Dakoro (65.05%) and Madarounfa (62%). For the phytogeographic type, Sudano-Zambezian-Saharo-Sindian (SZ-Sah.S) species are the most dominant, followed by Sudano-Zambezian (SZ) species for all zones with more than 84%. These results can be indicators for decision-making in the region's fight against the degradation of plant biodiversity.
Forests have always been a source of wood, food, and medicine for the rural populations of the Sahel. Anthropogenic and animal pressures often lead to low tree recruitment rates and seedling survival. Under certain conditions, multipurpose species such as Balanites aegyptiaca have shown dramatic decreases in population numbers. The objective of the present study is to determine the natural colonisation behaviour of B. aegyptiaca and to develop vegetative propagation strategies. Surveys were carried out in the agroforest parklands of the Regional Centre for Agricultural Research of Maradi Research Station. An inventory was carried out in 1,500 m2 plots to determine the species’ regeneration methods. We then tested seed germination success, and suckering induction, air-layering, and stem cuttings were carried out to determine the techniques best suited for the propagation of B. aegyptiaca. It emerged from this study that in nature, B. aegyptiaca is propagated naturally by dispersion of seeds (81.2%), as well as by rejection of the strain (13.5%) and by suckering (5.2%). The germination test showed that heavy seeds (38.4%) germinated best because they have a higher nutrient reserve. With a success rate of 11.1%, distal suckers react better than proximal suckers (5.5%) because they quickly acquire relative independence from the mother plant. As for air-layering, stems with large diameters react better (53.3%) than those with small diameters (46.6%) because they have thicker bark and store a large amount of elaborate sap responsible for rhizogenesis. In the stem segment cutting test, cuttings of small diameter react better at 30.8% than those of large diameter (12.6%) because they have a higher number of meristematic tissues. The stem segment cuttings seem to be the best adaptable alternative to the natural propagation of B. aegyptiaca because it combines ease of use, low cost, and a significant success rate.
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