Why is the spatial variability of millet yield high at farm level in the Sahel? Implications for research and development

Millet yields are highly variable even within the same farm in the Sahel. A conceptual model of the phenomenon was designed and quantitative analysis of key relationships was conducted based on the available published studies. We found that the high spatial variability of millet yield is due to two...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	Arid land research and management Vol. 33; no. 4; pp. 351 - 374
Main Authors:	Boubou Diallo, Mariama, Akponikpè, P. B. Irénikatché, Abasse, Tougiani, Fatondji, Dougbédji, Agbossou, Euloge K.
Format:	Journal Article
Language:	English
Published:	Philadelphia Taylor & Francis 02-10-2019 Taylor & Francis Ltd
Subjects:	Abiotic factors Agricultural management Agricultural technology Agronomy Aluminium Aluminum Availability Biotic factors Chemical properties Chemicophysical properties Economic conditions Economics Experimental research Fertility Heterogeneity High spatial variability Infiltration rate Laboratory experimentation Land use Low level Millet modeling Organic carbon Organic chemistry Organic phosphorus pearl millet Pests pH effects Phosphorus Physical properties Precision farming Quantitative analysis R&D Rain Rainfall Research & development Retention capacity Sahel Saturation Socioeconomic aspects Soil Soil chemistry Soil conditions Soil erosion Soil fertility Soil improvement soil physical and chemical properties Soil physical properties Soil properties Soil structure Soils Spatial variations Surface layers Variability Water availability Wind erosion yield variability Yields
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Summary:	Millet yields are highly variable even within the same farm in the Sahel. A conceptual model of the phenomenon was designed and quantitative analysis of key relationships was conducted based on the available published studies. We found that the high spatial variability of millet yield is due to two main edaphic factors: soil fertility properties and water availability. It is still unknown whether the spatial variability of the two main factors is inherent to Sahelian soils. However, some biotic and abiotic factors induce and even maintain the variability of the main factors. The biotic factors include the presence of trees, termite's activity, fertility management practices, pests, and diseases. Abiotic factors include rainfall (amount, intensity, and distribution) and wind erosion. The major soil chemical properties which strongly influence spatial yield variability include organic carbon, pH, aluminum saturation, and available phosphorus. Millet yield was positively and strongly correlated with P (r 2 =0.80, p < 0.001), moderately with pH (r 2 =0.30, p < 0.001), but strongly and negatively with the logarithm of aluminum saturation (r 2 =0.54, p < 0.001). Water availability is affected mainly by the soil physical properties, which strongly impact millet yield variability through infiltration rate and water retention capacity. The underlying properties are soil structure, texture, and soil surface conditions. The inadequate consideration of soil heterogeneity could also explain the low level of farmer adoption of the recommendations regarding soil fertility improvement based on experimental research or decision support. This situation calls for improved precision agriculture technologies that are compatible with Sahelian farmers' socio-economic conditions.
ISSN:	1532-4982 1532-4990
DOI:	10.1080/15324982.2019.1625984