Microdose fertilization enhances maize yields but exacerbates nutrient mining in maize cropping systems in northern Benin

In Sub-Saharan Africa, maize productivity is negatively affected by low inherent soil fertility, poor soil fertility management and unpredictable rainfall. Recently and in response to the limitations of conventional fertilizer recommendations, microdose fertilization has been widely advocated. However, little is known regarding the effect on yields and nutrient mining for maize systems in western Africa. This paper assesses to what extent the application of microdose fertilization to maize crop in Bénin may contribute towards improved yields and nutrient use efficiency and whether it attenuates or exacerbates nutrient mining