Sadya NACRO

PhD topic: Use of Biochar as an amendment to improve soil fertility, crop yield and carbon sequestration in cotton–maize rotation systems in the Central-West of Burkina Faso.

Summary: In response to severe soil degradation, declining organic matter, and low phosphorus levels hindering agriculture in Burkina Faso, this study evaluated the use of biochar-based organic amendments derived from underutilized cotton stalks. By chemically characterizing and applying a cotton-stalk co-compost within a cotton–maize rotation system in the Central-West region, the research demonstrated that combining co-compost with mineral fertilizer (NPK) significantly improved soil chemical parameters and generated the highest crop yields over two years. Furthermore, participating farmers overwhelmingly validated these findings, noting that plant growth under the co-compost treatment was visually superior to both the control and fields treated with NPK alone, highlighting the material's potential for sustainable soil management.

Supervisor(s) name(s): Dr. LOMPO Desire Jean Pascal/Dr.Sven.Goenster-Jordan

Area of interest: Agronomist/Agro-Pédology

Primary research keywords: Biochar, organic amendment, soil fertility, productivity, Burkina Faso

Email address:sadyanacro[at]gmail[dot]com