Comparing the Effects of Indigenous, Effective Microorganisms and NPK Fertilizers on Soil Fertility and Productivity of Groundnut in the Western Region of Cameroon

Abstract

Groundnut (<i>Arachis hypogaea</i>) is one of the main legumes consumed because of its nutritional importance to humans and animals, and is currently produced in Cameroon below the national demand. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of indigenous microorganism fertilizers (IMO), effective fertilizers (EM) and NPK on soil fertility and productivity of <i>Arachis hypogaea</i>. The experiment was conducted in the West region of Cameroon (Baboutcha-Fongam). It was based on a field trial with an experimental design consisting of completely randomized blocks with three treatments: Indigenous Microorganisms (IMO), Effective Microorganisms (EM) and NPK. The blocks were separated into plots, and each of them was enriched with different doses of EM, IMO and NPK (0, 10, 20, 40 g) and (3.2 g) with three replications each. Results showed that EM, IMO and NPK increased soil fertility. Overall, the application of EM, IMO and NPK significantly (p-value < 0.05) increased the growth parameters compared to the control. The best pod and seed yields were obtained at the 10 g (2.3 ± 0.2 and 2.05 ± 0.3 t/ha), 20 g (1.9 ± 0.3 and 1.99 ± 0.14 t/ha) and 3.2 g (2.3 ± 1 and 2.03 ± 0.24 t/ha) doses of IMO, EM and NPK respectively. These yields were higher or similar in plots amended with IMO and EM fertilizers than in plots amended with NPK. IMO and EM fertilizers worked at lower doses and can be considered as valuable fertilizers to serve as a suitable alternative to chemical fertilizers.