Effects of crops residues management systems on crops yields and chemical characteristics of tropical ferruginous soil in Western Burkina Faso

Crop residues' inappropriate management is the main constraint causing decline in soil fertility and crop yields Burkina Faso. This study was conducted at Farako-Bâ Research Station from 2014 to 2019 assess effects of residue improve sustainability cotton-cereal based production systems. The experimental design complete randomized blocks Fischer with four replications. Three different practices were investigated: (i) exportation conventional tillage (T1); ii) Composted residues (T2); (iii) used for mulching no-tillage (T3). Soil chemical characteristics assessed as parameters this study. improved by 17 34% on maize, 18 38% cotton 6 14% sorghum, respectively, recycled into compost (T2) (T3) compared exported (T1). technics significantly increased after first three years experimentation. properties not statistically influenced, except SOM, nitrogen, available K content. highest decrease carbon content induced (T1) should be recommended farmers. Key words: residues, tillage, fertility, cotton-cereals, yield,