Revolutionizing Maize (Zea mays l.) Growth: Evaluating the Impact of Tokyo 8 Microorganism-based Biofertilizer in Southern Côte d'Ivoire Farmers' Fields

Abstract

The exclusive use of mineral fertilisers for production contributes to the destruction of certain microflora and microfauna in the soil, as well as reducing the organic matter content, which in turn reduces soil fertility. With the aim of finding an alternative to crop fertilisation on the farm, a micro-organism-based biofertiliser (Tokyo 8) was introduced and tested on maize crops. Three types of Tokyo 8 doses were tested: T2: Tokyo 8 diluted 50 times, T3: Tokyo 8 diluted 75 times and T4: Tokyo 8 diluted 100 times. In addition, two controls were tested, namely T0: control without fertiliser and T1: control with NPK 12-22-22 fertiliser. The trials were set up in a Fisher block design with three replicates. The results show that, like NPK, biofertiliser improves maize growth parameters and yield components. It provides the mineral elements required for maize growth and development. However, to be used effectively, Tokyo 8 biofertiliser needs to be diluted sensibly. A dilution of 75% seems to be the ideal for optimum use in maize crops.