Agronomic Potential of the Artificial Termite Mound of Senoufo Poultry Farmers in Northern Cote d'Ivoire

The negative impacts of the misuse of chemical fertilizers force farmers to seek sustainable solutions in the management of soil fertility that respect the environment. Notwithstanding the termite damage to crops and in relation to a Senoufo practice of trapping termites for poultry, this study was undertaken to produce an organo-mineral fertilizer derived from the activity of termites of the genus Macroterms. The negative impacts associated with the misuse of chemical fertilizers force farmers to look for sustainable solutions for soil fertility that respect the environment. In connection with termite damage to crops and a Senoufo practice of trapping termites for poultry, this study was undertaken to produce an organo-mineral fertilizer derived from termite activity of the genus Macrotermes. The use of corn residues (stalks, stalks and stubble), dry cattle droppings and terracotta canaries (traps) has made it possible, through the trapping of termites, to obtain a product resulting from the digestion of these residues and the raising of fine soil. This substrate consists essentially of an organic fraction and a mineral fraction with a significantly improved texture compared to the control soil. Similarly, the chemical properties (CEC, exchangeable bases, organic matter) are improved compared to the control soil. It is an organo-mineral substance with fertilizing activity that can be used as a soil amendment in agriculture.