Mulching with branches of an indigenous shrub ( Guiera senegalensis) and yield of millet in semi-arid Niger

Abstract

Crop residues from millet production in southwest Niger are limited for their utilization as mulch because of many other uses. Thus, branches of an indigenous shrub ( Guiera senegalensis J.F. Gmel.) were tested with a randomised block design for their effect on millet ( Pennisetum glaucum L.) yield. Pearl millet was planted in 1995 and 1996 on a luvic Arenosol in southwest Niger. Three treatments were applied: control, 1000 kg ha −1 dry matter Guiera-mulch and 2000 kg ha −1 dry matter Guiera-mulch. Mulched plots had 68–94% higher millet yields compared to the control. Differences in soil properties before the treatments were applied, explained a high variability within the treatments. Significant differences of soil properties between blocks led to a distinction of infertile and fertile blocks. In infertile plots with 1000 kg ha −1 Guiera-mulch, millet yield was higher than in plots with 2000 kg ha −1 Guiera-mulch. Due to the many uses of Guiera senegalensis by the local farmers, an application of 1000 kg ha −1 Guiera-mulch, at least on infertile soils, seems a good possibility to increase millet production.