Response of Biostimulants Based on Native Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi of the Glomeraceae on Maize Yield in a Farming Environment

In the face of persistent soil degradation in Benin caused by poor agricultural practices, including excessive use of chemical fertilizers, it is urgent to find solutions that take into account the microorganisms of interest. This study aimed to assess the effect of combining three strains of indigenous arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on maize production in northern Benin. The study involved 34 growers in Ouénou, Bagou and Kokey. The experimental setup consisted of three elementary plots with three treatments. Growth parameters were measured every 15 days, from the 15th to the 60th day after sowing, on ten plants per plot. Plant nutritional status, grain yield and mycorrhization were measured. The results showed that biostimulant + 50% NPKUrea (N = nitrogen, P = phosphorus and K = potassium) had similar positive effects on growth parameters to those induced by the application of 100% NPKUrea. Gains of 30. 25% to 36. 35% were recorded in plant height at Kokey. On the other hand, biostimulant+ 50% NPKUrea induced a better phosphorus uptake of 21. 08% to 27. 77%. In addition, the grain yield of mycorrhizal plants was 8. 37% higher than that of plants receiving 100% NPKUrea at Ouénou. These results show that this technology could be integrated into the agricultural system to promote sustainable maize growing in Benin.