Integrated Approach for the Agroecological Rehabilitation of Bauxitic Soils: Maize-Groundnut Intercropping for Rural and Economic Food Resilience

Abstract

This study assesses the agronomic, social, and environmental feasibility of rehabilitating a former bauxite mining site into agricultural land in Sangarédi, Guinea. The experiment was based on maize-groundnut intercropping, supported by an integrated organomineral amendment plan. This plan combined agricultural lime, composted poultry manure, superphosphate (P 2 O 5 ), and NPK (17-17-17) to restore degraded soil fertility and sustainably improve yields. Results—7.88 tons of maize, of which 6.56 were marketed, 1.20 consumed locally, and only 0.12 lost—reflect an encouraging dynamic of progress, despite yield gaps of 13.50% for maize and 17.33% for groundnut compared to regional averages. The agroecological approach adopted contributes to biodiversity regeneration, restoration of soil ecological functions, and food and economic resilience for local communities. This reproducible model, adapted to Guinean agroclimatic conditions, offers perspectives for extension to other mining zones facing similar challenges.