The effects of fodder mowing on the productivity of the silting pasturage in Burkina Faso

The study of mowing effects on the dynamic of the pasturage has led to the realization on a helpful stool in order to schedule the exploitation of the fodder. The applied experimental device is a bloc of an effective three times yield in some parcels which is measured 3m x 5m. Four treatments have been applied: (i) an improved exploitation with NPK + urea, (ii) an improved exploitation with Burkina Phosphate, (iii) a simple exploitation and (iv) a case without any exploitation. The device started at the beginning of the rainy season of the experimental year, 2002, as its first time of experimentation. The exploitation takes place every year at the end of August to the beginning of September in which period the vegetation is nature. The results of seven years of experimentation reveal that the exploitation provokes the damage of pasturages. This damage is manifested by the loss of the floristic biodiversity for a rate of 50% concerning different species. Legumineae are more resistant than gramineae concerning the mowing. The pasturage risks are more important from the third year. The application of chemical fertilizers increases the production of fodder and reduces the damage speed of soils. The contribution of fertilizers is theoretically profitable. This study suggests that after three stop less years of exploitation, a necessary time of rest shall be observed for fodders. The study suggests that some regular studies must be done with others parameters (biology of soil, degree of infiltration, etc…) in order to appreciate well the impacts of this kind of exploitation.

Author(s): Kiema André, Nianogo Aimé Joseph, and Nacro Hassan Bismarck

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