Evaluation of the Use of Organic and Mineral Fertilisers on Amaranth Productivity in the Locality of Kombé, Republic of Congo

Abstract

The use and high cost of chemical fertilisers, as well as the dangers associated with their misuse, are leading growers to look for an alternative, sustainable form of fertilisation. A survey was carried out in the Kombé area of Brazzaville to assess the effectiveness and use of organic and mineral fertilisers on amaranth growth and yield. During the survey, 50 market gardeners growing amaranth were randomly selected and interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. The results obtained from our survey were analysed statistically, revealing significant differences between the different types of fertiliser used at Agricongo de Kombé (p˂0.05). The variance analysis revealed five (5) heterogeneous groups (a, b, c, d, cd), the most significant being poultry manure (group d) and NPK (group cd). The results of the survey revealed that amaranth (32.31%) was the dominant previous crop, poultry manure (34%) was the main and least expensive fertiliser, so it is capable of improving the growth and yield of amaranth, compared with other manures. Poultry droppings could be recommended for amaranth production.