EFFECT OF SPREADING VINASSE ON MAIZE PERFORMANCE AND SOIL PROPERTIES

This study focuses on the use of vinasse in agriculture. The study was carried out during the 2022-2023 first agricultural season. Vinasse and soil characterisation were conducted using standard methods. Plant morphological parameters were measured. The results of the physicochemical parameters of the vinasse indicated an effluent with a deep colour (4757±2139.46 Pt/co) ; with an acid pH (5.46±1.07). Three forms of nitrogen were measured in the vinasse: Ammonium (NH4+) with a concentration of 32.49±7.17 g/l; Nitrites (N02-) 0.69±0.38g/l and Nitrates (N03-) 151.13±57.82g/l. The available phosphorus content (PO43-) was 16.62±8.93 g/l in the effluent. The average Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) content was 81.13±78.94 g/l, while the Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD5) content was 11.53±6.85 g/l. Potassium ion (K+) was 2.12±0.78 g/l. Soil characteristics according to each treatment showed a pH variation from 3.65±0.071 to 5.73±0.70 in all treatments. Nitrogen concentrations were high in treatments T3 and T5. The carbon to nitrogen ratio was high in treatments T01, T1 and T3. Cation exchange capacity was higher in treatment T5. Vinasse treatment increased phosphorus concentrations in the T4 treatments soils. There were major differences for each parameter. Morphological parameters showed a high emergency rate at T2 (87%). The highest values for plant height, collar diameter, number of leaves and leaf area were obtained with treatment T4 (8L/m2). The amount of potassium in the soil increased with doses of vinasse. The C/N ratio decreased as soil organic matter reduced. Compared with chemical fertilisers, vinasse can be a sustainable alternative for organic farming.