Enhancing Green Bean Production on Acid Oxisols Using Basalt Fines in the Cameroon Western Highlands
Primus Azinwi Tamfuh *
Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Science, University of Dschang, P.O Box 222, Dschang, Cameroon and Department of Mining and Mineral Engineering, NAHPI, University of Bamenda, P.O Box 39, Bambili, Cameroon.
Matlock Diangha Nguobi
Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Science, University of Dschang, P.O Box 222, Dschang, Cameroon.
Valery Aghah Binda
Department of Applied Ecology and Wildlife Management, Faculty of Science, University of Bamenda, P.O. Box 67, Dschang, Cameroon and Agriculture and Bio-Conservation Organization for Youth Empowerment and Rural Development, Dschang, P.O. Box 16, Dschang, Cameroon.
Chantal Kuh Ful
Department of Mining and Mineral Engineering, NAHPI, University of Bamenda, P.O Box 39, Bambili, Cameroon.
Colette Nyuongo Nayah
Department of Mining and Mineral Engineering, NAHPI, University of Bamenda, P.O Box 39, Bambili, Cameroon.
Hassan Yap Mfouapon
Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Science, University of Dschang, P.O Box 222, Dschang, Cameroon.
Evariste Désiré Moundjeu
Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Science, University of Dschang, P.O Box 222, Dschang, Cameroon.
Emile Temgoua
Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Science, University of Dschang, P.O Box 222, Dschang, Cameroon.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Rock fines have been proposed as alternative to chemical fertilizers, but their application rates and performances on various crops are still poorly understood. This work aims to test the fertilizing potential of basalt fines for Green beans production on acid Oxisols. A field experiment using a completely randomized block design (CRBD) was conducted on a 60 m² plot.". Treatments were: T0(0), T1(5 t ha₋1 basalt fines), T2(10 t ha₋1 basalt fines), T3(15 t ha₋1), T4(20 t ha₋1 basalt fines), T5(5 t ha₋1 poultry manure), T6 (110 Kg. ha₋1 NPK 14₋23₋14). Fieldwork was followed by laboratory analysis of soils before and after treatment of the experimental units. The main results revealed that T0 was very acidic, but basalt and poultry manure (PM) application reduced acidity while NPK further increased soil acidity. The exchangeable bases and base saturation also increased after treatment with basalt and PM. The yield of green beans was such that T4>T1>T6>T3>T5>T0 >T2. Economically, all treatments were negative except T1 (Benefit-to-cost ratio, BCR=1.35<2), suggesting that none of the treatments can be popularized for green beans production. Nevertheless, production could be increased based on appropriate farming and chemical techniques aimed at reducing soil acidity and boosting nutrient capital reserves. This study addresses a critical need for environmentally friendly alternatives to chemical fertilizers, aligning with sustainable agriculture goals. To increase its applicability and impact, more focus should be placed on the long-term environmental advantages and real-world uses.
Keywords: Acid oxisols, green beans, basalt fines, soil remineralisation, West Cameroon