Improving Peanut Yield and Efficiency through Mechanization and New Fertilization Techniques (Arachis hypogaea)

Abstract

In a context of low peanut productivity in Niger, particularly in the Maradi and Zinder regions, this study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of technologies combining mechanization, seed treatment (soaking, coating) and localized fertilization. A randomized complete block experimental design was implemented on 3 sites, comparing five treatments. The study was conducted for two years (2023-2024). The results reveal that treatments integrating mechanization drawn by the Gangaria seeder, localized fertilization and soaking significantly increased grain yields to 56 and 75% respectively for T4 and T5 compared to the control T0. Haulm yield also increased by 61 and 63% respectively for T4 and T5 respectively compared to the control T0. These treatments also reduced the duration of plant maturity by 12 and 11 days respectively for T5 and T4. Labor requirements were reduced by 1.05 and 0.99 d/ha with a workforce of 2 people respectively for T5 and T4 against 11 h/d/ha for manual treatment with microdosing T1. The net margin is 573702 and 479718 FCFA/ha respectively for treatment T5 and T4 against 432860 FCFA/ha for the control T0. These results show the agronomic and economic interest of combining mechanization and innovative technologies to sustainably improve peanut productivity among rural producers.