Michel et al. (2026) Evaluation of Drip Supplemental Irrigation against Rainfall Deficits: Effects on the Phenology and Yield of Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) in the Municipality of Banikoara (Northern Benin)

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Identification

• Journal: International Journal of Plant & Soil Science
• Year: 2026
• Date: 2026-09-12
• Authors: Tode K. Michel, Kawoun Alagbe Gildas, Tassigui Sabi Sio, Ahamide Bernard
• DOI: 10.9734/ijpss/2026/v38i96323

Research Groups

• Laboratory of Agronomy and Plant Breeding (LAPB), University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin
• Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agronomic Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin

Short Summary

This study evaluated the effects of deficit drip supplemental irrigation on phenological development and yield components of cotton in northern Benin. The results showed that 75% deficit compensation was the optimal water-saving strategy for maximum water use efficiency and productivity.

Objective

• Investigate the impact of deficit drip supplemental irrigation on cotton growth and yield under climate variability conditions

Study Configuration

• Spatial Scale: Local scale, specific to the municipality of Banikoara in northern Benin
• Temporal Scale: Four consecutive cropping seasons (2021-2024)

Methodology and Data

• Models used: FAO 56 Penman-Monteith method for calculating evapotranspiration
• Data sources: Field observations, measurements of phenological parameters and yield components

Main Results

• Supplemental irrigation significantly improved all phenological and agronomic parameters measured.
• Mean plant height at maturity increased from 60.65 cm (T₀) to 131.61 cm (T₁₀₀).
• Mean seed cotton yield increased from 750 kg ha⁻¹ (T₀) to 3,725 kg ha⁻¹ (T₇₅) and 3,700 kg ha⁻¹ (T₁₀₀), representing gains of 397% and 393% relative to the rainfed control.

Contributions

• Provided a robust empirical and technical framework for adapting cotton-growing practices to climate change in the Sudano-Sahelian zone.
• Identified 75% deficit compensation as the optimal water-saving strategy for maximum water use efficiency and productivity.

Funding

• This research was funded by the National Council for Scientific Research (CNRST), Benin, under project code CNRST/2020/01.

Citation

@article{Michel2026Evaluation,
  author = {Michel, Tode K. and Gildas, Kawoun Alagbe and Sio, Tassigui Sabi and Bernard, Ahamide},
  title = {Evaluation of Drip Supplemental Irrigation against Rainfall Deficits: Effects on the Phenology and Yield of Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) in the Municipality of Banikoara (Northern Benin)},
  journal = {International Journal of Plant & Soil Science},
  year = {2026},
  doi = {10.9734/ijpss/2026/v38i96323},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.9734/ijpss/2026/v38i96323}
}