Influence des phosphates naturels sur la qualité et la biodégradation d'un compost de pailles de ma s

Influence of Indigenous Phosphate on Maize Straw Compost Quality and Biodegradation. Soil organic matter and phosphorus scarcities are the main constraints for intensification of crop production in Burkina Faso. To propose an adequate method to produce good quality organic matter, a study, in controlled conditions, was conducted using a Lixisol to evaluate the biodegradation of composts made of maize straw, rock phosphate, animal manure and a synthesis inoculum (SI). Composts obtained from composting maize crop residues + manure ± SI had C/N of 19 and 18, respectively. Influence of composts produced on soil CO2 production was related to the type of compost and to nitrogen application. An increase of 53% of CO2 production due to nitrogen application was observed when compost produced with manure and SI was incorporated in the soil. This increase was 118% with incorporation of the compost obtained with manure, SI and rock phosphate. These results suggest that there is potential to produce high quality organic inputs by composting maize straw in presence of rock phosphate.