Maize production in Mali: microdosing and mechanization for better yields, profits, and labor reduction
Discover Agriculture April 6, 2025 Woumou Kamkam, Adama Coulibaly, Jens B. Aune
Applying NPK fertilizer at rates up to 93.7 kg/ha increased maize grain yield by 61.3% (1029 kg/ha) compared to no fertilizer. A microdosing rate of 63 kg NPK/ha produced yield and economic returns similar to the recommended 100 kg NPK/ha applied in rows. The 78.1 kg NPK/ha rate gave the highest gross margin and value-cost ratio across both unfavorable and favorable fertilizer-to-grain price scenarios. All fertilizer treatments had a value-cost ratio above the critical threshold of two, indicating low financial risk even without subsidies. Mechanized sowing and fertilization saved 10 man-days/ha compared to manual methods, making timely planting more feasible. Combining fertilizer microdosing with mechanization improves fertilizer use efficiency, reduces labor, and supports climate resilience.