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- ItemSimulation of Rice Crop Performance and Water and N Dynamics, and Methane Emissions for Rice in Northwest India using CSM-CERES-Rice Model(2004-01) H. Pathak; J. Timsina; E. Humphreys; D.C. Godwin; Bijay Singh; A.K. Shukla; Upendra Singh; R.B. MatthewsCrop growth simulation models provide a means to quantify the effects of climate, soil and management on crop growth, productivity and sustainability of agricultural production. These tools can reduce the need for expensive and time-consuming field experimentation as they can be used to extrapolate the results of research conducted in one season or location to other seasons, locations, or management. The development and application of system approaches and decision support methods can help to identify strategies for optimising resource use, increasing productivity, identifying yield gaps and reducing adverse environmental impacts. The DSSAT (Decision Support Systems for Agro-technology Transfer) software facilitates the application of the various crop models. CSM-CERES-Rice, embedded within DSSAT, is a process-based, management-oriented model which simulates the growth and development of rice. The MERES (Methane Emission from Rice EcoSystems) model is a further development of CERES-Rice with additional processes for methane emission from rice fields. The objectives of the present study were to: · evaluate CSM-CERES-Rice ver. 4.0 for its ability to simulate rice growth and yield · estimate potential yield and yield gaps in rice · estimate and improve understanding of water and N dynamics and balances in the continuously flooded, continuously saturated and intermittently irrigated rice culture · demonstrate potential applications of the model to improve understanding of sustainability issues related to water and N in various rice culture · evaluate the ability of MERES to predict methane emission from rice culture in northwest India
- ItemTermites and Mulch Work Together to Rehabilitate Soils(2008-01) Elisée Ouédraogo; Abdoulaye Mando; Lijbert BrussaardIn the semi-arid Sahel, soil degradation due to organic matter depletion, overgrazing, continuous cultivation, and adverse climatic conditions has led to the formation of severely degraded soils known locally as "zipella." Farmers in northern Burkina Faso employ various strategies to improve soil conditions, with mulch application being the most popular and appropriate technology. Our research investigates the role of termites in soil rehabilitation facilitated by mulch application. Trials conducted in two types of plots—one with mulch and no pesticides, and the other with mulch treated with pesticides to exclude termite activity—reveal significant differences in soil structure and vegetation establishment. Results indicate that termites play a crucial role in soil improvement, creating conditions conducive to vegetation growth. Mulch application triggers termite activity, enhancing soil structure, aggregation, water infiltration, and drainage. Conversely, plots treated with pesticides show poor vegetation establishment, highlighting the detrimental effects of eliminating soil fauna. Our findings underscore the importance of considering soil fauna, such as termites, in land rehabilitation efforts, advocating for sustainable practices like mulch application over mechanical methods like soil tillage, and cautioning against management practices that disrupt soil ecosystems.
- ItemModèle Multi-Agents Pour la Simulation de la Dynamique de Carbone à l’échelle du Terroir Villageois (Multi Agents Model for Carbone Dynamic Simulation at Village Area Scale)(2009) Sansan Youl; Bélem M.; Bruno Barbier; Raphaël J. Manlay; Masse D.Un système multi-agents (SMA) a été conçu et mis en œuvre en vue d’étudier la dynamique des ressources organiques et azotée d’un terroir africain. Les simulations réalisées ont permis de mesurer l’impact des modes de gestion sur les ressources dans le long terme. Trois types d’enquêtes ont été nécessaires pour collecter les données nécessaires. Un premier modèle à l’échelle de la parcelle a permis de simuler le stockage du carbone et de l’azote dans les sols et dans la biomasse végétale. Ensuite la définition des règles individuelles et collectives de décision et de gestion des exploitations agricoles et du terroir ont nécessité des enquêtes approfondies avec les principaux groupes utilisant le terroir. . Pour la conception informatique du modèle, le formalisme UML a été utilisé. La représentation statique et dynamique du modèle a été formalisée sur la plate forme de modélisation CORMAS. . La méthode développée est appelée MIROT Modélisation Intégrée de la dynamique des Ressources Organiques et analyse de viabilité de Terroirs agro-sylvo-pastoraux des savanes ouest africaines). Le modèle MIROT utilise un fond de carte du terroir avec des contraintes spatiales pour simuler le fonctionnement de celui-ci.
- ItemRelative Agronomic Effectiveness of Phosphate Rock Compared With Triple Superphosphate for Initial Canola, Wheat, or Ryegrass, and Residual Wheat in Two Acid Soils(2009) Suzette A. Smalberger; Sen H. Chien; Upendra Singh; Julio HenaoDirect application of phosphate rock (PR) may provide the essential phosphorus (P) nutrient for crop production in acid soils. However, the agronomic effectiveness of PR depends on several factors including PR reactivity, soil properties, and crop species. This greenhouse study investigated the effects of PR reactivity, soil pH, Al saturation, and crop species on the initial and residual relative agronomic effectiveness (RAE) of PR compared with water-soluble triple superphosphate (TSP) in two acid soils (Hartsells pH 4.8 and Hiwassee pH 5.4). Three PR sources, Tunisia, Mali, and Togo, representing high, medium, and low PR reactivity, respectively, were used. The soils were treated with P sources at 0, 25, 50, 100, 200, and 500 mg P kgj1 soil. Wheat, ryegrass, and canola were the test crops in the first season, and wheat was used as a residual crop after all three initial crops in the second season. Soil samples were collected for chemical analyses at 0 and 500 mg P kgj1 soil after the first crops. The initial RAE of PR for crop species followed: canola 9 ryegrass = wheat in the Hartsells soil and canola 9 ryegrass 9 wheat in the Hiwassee soil. However, the residual crop of wheat after wheat, wheat after ryegrass, and wheat after canola did not show any significant effect of previous crop. Among P sources, both initial and residual RAE followed: TSP 9 Tunisia PR 9 Mali PR Q Togo PR for all the crops and soils except for the initial canola crop grown in Hiwassee soil where all PR sources were as effective as TSP. In general, the RAE of PR in Hiwassee soil was higher than that of Hartsells because of the negative effects of soil acidity and Al saturation on crop growth in the Hartsells soil. A significant relationship between available P after first crops and residual wheat grain yield was found in the Hiwassee soil.
- ItemSystèmes et entreprises agicoles compétitifs (CASE): une approche au niveau local du développement de l’agro-industrie en Afrique Subsaharienne(2011) Arno Maatman; V.A. Clottey; A. Diallo; K. Djagni; I. Duniya; Y. Duplessis; K.O. Gyasi; M. Kabore; F. Keita; K. Kondo; A. Konlambigue; E. Kpogan; A. Nobre; U. Rudiger; A.S. TraoreL'Afrique subsaharienne (ASS) est confrontée à d'importants défis de développement, notamment en matière de progrès économique, de pauvreté et d'insécurité alimentaire, les communautés rurales supportant le poids de la vulnérabilité. Le développement agricole est primordial pour ces communautés et pour la croissance économique globale de la région. Les débats récents mettent en lumière l'importance d'améliorer la croissance agricole pour stimuler le développement, en mettant l'accent sur les liens entre les secteurs agricoles et non agricoles des zones rurales, ainsi que sur les relations entre les zones rurales et urbaines. Ce guide propose une nouvelle voie pour l'intensification agricole et le développement des marchés en ASS, en préconisant une approche de base, appelée Systèmes et Entreprises Agricoles Compétitifs (CASE). Développé par l'IFDC, le CASE met l'accent sur la formation de clusters agro-industriels, le développement des chaînes de valeur et les capacités de gouvernance des transactions. Il intègre la compétition et la coordination, promouvant la propriété locale, l'autonomisation et la durabilité économique. Le document décrit le cadre théorique, les stratégies de mise en œuvre et les expériences, en mettant l'accent sur la sensibilité au contexte et en mettant en garde contre les solutions universelles.
- ItemCompetitive Agricultural Systems and Enterprises (CASE): A Grassroots Approach to Agribusiness Development in Sub-Saharan Africa(2011) Arno Maatman; V.A. Clottey; A. Diallo; K. Djagni; I. Duniya; Y. Duplessis; K.O. Gyasi; M. Kabore; F. Keita; K. Kondo; A. Konlambigue; E. Kpogan; A. Nobre; U. Rudiger; A.S. TraoreSub-Saharan Africa (SSA) grapples with significant developmental challenges, particularly in economic progress, poverty, and food insecurity, with rural communities bearing the brunt of vulnerability. Agricultural development is paramount for these communities and for overall economic growth in the region. Recent debates highlight the importance of enhancing agricultural growth to spur development, emphasizing linkages between farm and rural non-farm sectors, and rural-urban relationships. This guide proposes a novel pathway for agricultural intensification and market development in SSA, advocating for a grassroots approach, termed Competitive Agricultural Systems and Enterprises (CASE). Developed by IFDC, CASE emphasizes agribusiness cluster formation, value chain development, and transaction governance capacities. It integrates competition and coordination, promoting local ownership, empowerment, and economic sustainability. The document outlines the theoretical framework, implementation strategies, and experiences, emphasizing context sensitivity and caution against one-size-fits-all solutions.
- ItemPolicy Options for Improving Regional Fertilizer Markets in West Africa(2011-05) Balu L. Bumb; Michael E. Johnson; Porfirio A. FuentesA primary motivation for this study is to identify a key set of policy options for improving fertilizer markets in West Africa (among Economic Community of West African States member countries) in ways that ultimately will help improve the efficiency of regional markets and lower the transaction costs and fiscal burdens of increasing fertilizer use in the region. Guided by the 2008 fertilizer crisis, many governments are tempted to impose fertilizer subsidies to reduce fertilizer prices. Yet, in an environment riddled with inefficiencies that contribute to the high costs of using fertilizers, the introduction of subsidies only adds more fiscal burden. To carry out the study, we undertook four country case studies to review the key constraints and bottlenecks along the fertilizer supply chain. The countries were Ghana, Mali, Nigeria, and Senegal, and the research included field visits in 2009 and 2010. The current paper is based on the country case study results, complemented by a literature review and analysis of secondary data sources.
- ItemEncouraging Private Investment in Agricultural Research: Myth or Necessity for Developing Countries(2011-08-31) Joshua ArigaThis article explores the challenges and opportunities in promoting sustainable agricultural development in Sub-Saharan Africa through increased investments in research and development (R&D). It discusses the role of public and private sectors in driving agricultural innovation and examines the state of agricultural R&D in the region. Additionally, the article highlights the need for private sector engagement in agricultural R&D and the constraints hindering their participation. The analysis emphasizes the importance of creating an enabling environment for private sector investment in research and technology to enhance agricultural productivity and address food security challenges in the region.
- ItemRèglement C/Reg.13/12/12 Relatif au Contrôle de Qualité des Engrais dans L’espace Cedeao(2012)Les deux règlements d'application – R.Ex/ECW/PEC/IR/02/03/16 et R.Ex/ECW/PEC/IR/05/12/16 – qui soutiennent l'harmonisation et le contrôle de la qualité des engrais dans la région de la CEDEAO sont consolidés dans cette étude. Ces lois, qui visent à standardiser la qualité des engrais afin d'augmenter la production agricole et de maintenir la sécurité alimentaire, sont basées sur le règlement C/REG.13/12/12. En plus de définir des directives strictes en matière d'étiquetage, d'assurances nutritionnelles et de tolérances admissibles dans la composition des engrais, les normes définissent des mots clés. Pour garantir l'ouverture et protéger les consommateurs, ils exigent un étiquetage détaillé contenant des informations sur le fabricant, la quantité de nutriments inclus et les caractéristiques du contenant. Afin de mieux protéger les normes environnementales et sanitaires, les lois fixent des limites maximales autorisées pour les métaux lourds dans les engrais. Le Comité ouest-africain pour le contrôle des engrais (WACoFeC) est décrit en détail, en mettant l'accent sur ses rôles de surveillance, de conseil et de renforcement des capacités parmi ses États membres. Dans l’ensemble, ces règles visent à améliorer la durabilité agricole au sein de la CEDEAO, à promouvoir la coopération régionale et à accélérer la vente d’engrais.
- ItemRegulation C/Reg.13/12/12 Relating to Fertilizer Quality Control in the ECOWAS Region(2012)The two implementing regulations—R.Ex/ECW/PEC/IR/02/03/16 and R.Ex/ECW/PEC/IR/05/12/16—that support the ECOWAS region's fertilizer harmonization and quality control are consolidated in this study. These laws, which aim to standardize fertilizer quality in order to boost agricultural output and maintain food security, are based on Regulation C/REG.13/12/12. In addition to outlining strict guidelines for labeling, nutritional assurances, and allowable tolerances in fertilizer composition, the standards define key words. To ensure openness and protect consumers, they require detailed labeling that contains information about the maker, the amount of nutrients included, and the container characteristics. To further protect environmental and health standards, the laws set maximum allowed limits for heavy metals in fertilizers. The West African Committee for Fertilizer Control (WACoFeC) is described in length, with a focus on its oversight, advising, and capacity-building roles among its member states. All all, these rules seek to improve agricultural sustainability within ECOWAS, promote regional cooperation, and expedite the sale of fertilizer.
- ItemImproving Regional Fertilizer Markets in West Africa(2012-03) Balu L. Bumb; Michael E. Johnson; Porfirio A. FuentesIn 2000, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) committed to halving hunger and poverty by 2015, necessitating a 6.8 percent annual growth in agriculture. However, from 2000 to 2009, West African agriculture grew at a rate of only 3.7 percent due to various constraints. To achieve sustained agricultural growth, there is a need for increased productivity through the adoption of improved technologies and inputs. Fertilizer use and access to improved seeds are particularly crucial. This study examines the constraints in West African fertilizer markets and suggests policy, institutional, and infrastructure improvements to address them. The lack of a well-established regional fertilizer market, oligopolistic import structures, high financing costs, and supply chain inefficiencies hinder fertilizer accessibility and affordability. The study recommends creating a common regional fertilizer market, removing barriers, enhancing supply chain efficiencies, and harmonizing regulations. On the demand side, efforts to strengthen farmer domains through farmer organizations, research and extension, and training are proposed. By addressing both supply-side and demand-side constraints, West Africa can advance agricultural productivity and food security, with a particular focus on fertilizer market development.
- ItemQuality Assessment of Fertilizers Traded in Mali(2013) Joaquin Sanabria; Emmanuel AlognikouIn 2006, prior to the Africa Fertilizer Summit and in collaboration with the West Africa Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA), ECOWAS adopted a fertilizer strategy1 with the general objective of promoting their increased and efficient use with a view to sustainably improving agricultural productivity. This regional strategy hinges on four pillars or specific objectives: 1. Improving efficiency and environmental safety of fertilizers. 2. Improving the institutional, regulatory and business environment of the regional fertilizer market. 3. Stimulate effective demand. 4. Stimulate supply. Through the second specific objective, which is to improve the regulatory, institutional and business environment of the regional market of fertilizers, ECOWAS is focusing on creating favorable conditions for the development of the fertilizer sector. Indeed, West African national fertilizer markets are underdeveloped and too narrow to generate a sufficient dynamism and competitiveness. The extension of national markets to the ECOWAS region through the harmonization of national regulatory frameworks is likely to further stimulate private investment in this sector. The effective implementation of a regional framework that harmonizes national regulatory frameworks governing the production and trade of fertilizers and instituting and organizing quality control will protect farmers and render fertilizer trade more attractive to private investment by expanding national markets beyond national borders and by stimulating fair competition with quality products. An ECOWAS legal framework for fertilizer trade and quality control in West Africa was adopted by all state members of the economic community in December 2012. The liberalization of the importation and distribution of fertilizers in most West African countries without appropriate control has led to the emergence of quality problems in products traded in the region. These problems could impede efforts to boost agricultural productivity and to restore or maintain soil fertility, for this reason systematic quality assessments following the requirements in the recently adopted ECOWAS regulatory system at country and regional levels are a priority. There are very few systematic studies on the quality of fertilizers marketed in West Africa. The most recent, 2 conducted by IFDC between 2010 and 2013 made quality assessments in five countries –Ghana, Nigeria, Togo, Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal – showed large quality differences between countries, but in general, the NPK fertilizers manufactured through blending presented the most frequent cases of poor quality compared with compound products. More specifically, 51 percent of the 106 samples of the NPK 15-15-15 blend were out of compliance with the then newly adopted ECOWAS tolerance limits for nutrient content deviations. Similarly, other products that failed to meet the ECOWAS quality standards were 86 percent of the 90 samples of the NPK 20-10-10 blend, 12 percent of the 30 samples of the NPK 6-20-10 blend, 96 percent of the 27 samples of the NPK 15-10-10 blend, 31 percent of the 23 samples of Asaase Wura (NPK 0-22-18+9CaO+7S+5MgO) and 26 percent of the 27 samples of Cocoa Feed (NPK 0-30-20). Data from the study indicated that nutrient shortages among the blended fertilizers can be explained by segregation of fertilizer components due to uneven size of granules in some cases and by insufficient input of some of the nutrients during manufacture in other cases. In contrast to the blended products, the only compound products that failed to meet the ECOWAS quality standard were 4 percent of the 534 samples of urea, 10 percent of the 356 samples of the compound NPK 15- 15-15, 16 percent of the 162 samples of AS (NPK 21-0-0 +24S), 15 percent of the 162 samples of compound NPK 16-16-16, 1 percent of the 103 samples of compound NPK 23-10-5 and 4 percent of the 90 samples of Sulfan (NPK 24-0-0+6S). While the proportions of non-compliant samples observed in the compound products are lower than the ones observed in blended products, these can still be considered high for imported products. This result confirms the finding of a previous assessment IFDC carried out in West Africa in 19953 indicating that 10 of the 29 samples of NPK compounds examined were nutrient-deficient. An analysis of the weight of 1,055 fertilizer bags collected from all five countries indicated that there was a 41 percent chance that the bag weight does not comply with the ECOWAS tolerance limit in Nigeria, a 28 percent chance in Côte d’Ivoire, 13 percent in Senegal, 12 percent in Ghana and 7 percent in Togo. The only cases of completely proven adulteration are seven samples of SSP from Nigeria that were found to have no P2O5 content. While high percentages of nutrient deficient samples in some NPK blends found in some countries could be interpreted as fraud during manufacturing or along the distribution chain, this was not substantiated by findings of this study; the lack of or poor control of blending procedures and use of inadequate blending equipment can be also possible explanations. The fertilizer quality assessments conducted between 2010 and 2013 were part of the activities of the IFDC MIR-Plus project4 . Following adoption of the Regulation C/REG.13/12/12 relating to fertilizer quality control in the ECOWAS region, the ECOWAS Commission gave IFDC through the USAID-funded West Africa Fertilizer Program (WAFP)5 the mandate to facilitate its implementation in member States. The fertilizer quality assessment in additional ECOWAS Member States like Mali, Burkina Faso, Benin and Liberia is part of WAFP’s efforts. A fertilizer quality assessment study has been conducted in Mali between July 2014 and May 2015 and its findings are presented in this report. The main objective of this project was to assess the quality of fertilizers in the markets of Mali, classify the problems according with their origin and identify factors that contribute to the quality problems. This information is expected to be used by the Government of Mali and ECOWAS as baseline to work toward domestication of the ECOWAS regulatory system to improve the Mali regulatory system in terms of efficacy and harmony with the regional regulatory system.
- ItemA Generic Methodology for Calculating Water and Nutrient Requirements for Attaining Target Crop Yields(2013) Sjaak Conijn; Joost Wolf; Huib Hengsdijk; Katrien Descheemaeker; Bindraban, Prem S.This research presents a generic methodology for assessing water and nutrient requirements to achieve target crop yields, focusing on nitrogen fertilizer requirements as a case study for maize in Africa. The methodology combines crop modeling, weather, and soil data to calculate potential yields and input gaps. Preliminary results indicate the additional fertilizer nitrogen needed to reach 80% of rainfed potential yields and the associated nitrogen losses. The study also highlights the need for collaboration to refine and validate the methodology, incorporating factors like weather variability and soil water balance.
- ItemPractices and Policy Options for the Improved Design and Implementation of Fertilizer Subsidy Programs in Sub-Saharan Africa(2013) Maria Wanzala-Mlobela; Porfirio A. Fuentes ; Solomon MkumbwaFollowing the 2006 Abuja Declaration on Fertilizer for an African Green Revolution, and with further impetus provided by the 2007/08 soaring food, fuel and fertilizer prices, African leaders put forward a political commitment to arrest land degradation and improve crop productivity by increasing fertilizer use to at least 50 kilograms per hectare (kg/ha) of arable land. Toward this commitment, several Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) governments implemented fertilizer subsidies as a way to boost food production. While prices for fuel and fertilizers since the crisis have declined, those of food have merely stabilized, and remain at higher levels than pre-2007 prices. Despite this, it is likely that African governments will continue to subsidize fertilizer use by small and subsistence farmers for the foreseeable future. However, some analysts fear that the recent resurgence of fertilizer subsidies will erode past efforts and achievements in private sector fertilizer supply market development in SSA. In order to objectively intervene and support countries in SSA regarding the successful design and implementation of their fertilizer subsidy policies and programs, the African Union (AU)-New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) Coordinating Agency (NPCA), with technical and financial support from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) and the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), commissioned this study: Practices and Policy Options for the Improved Design and Implementation of Fertilizer Subsidy Programs in Sub-Saharan Africa. The objective of the study is to identify major issues affecting the implementation of these subsidy programs and make recommendations to improve their management and implementation. It is believed that this study will assist in bringing about a more positive impact according to most countries’ implicit and/or stated general objectives of increasing agricultural production, food security and rural incomes. The output of the study will be a set of recommendations in relation to: (1) the key lessons learned and identification of best practices; (2) key findings regarding the implementation of fertilizer subsidy programs in SSA; and (3) policy recommendations for the successful management and implementation of fertilizer subsidy programs.
- ItemTowards Improved Soil Information for Quantification of Environmental, Societal and Economic Sustainability(2013-01) Niels H. Batjes; Bindraban, Prem S.; Hannes I. ReuterThis document discusses soil information needs in support of studies of environmental, societal and economic sustainability at an increasingly fine spatial resolution. First, the need for appropriately scaled, consistent and quality assessed soil information in support of studies of food productivity, soil and water management, soil carbon dynamics and greenhouse gas emissions, and the reduction or avoidance of land degradation are discussed. Soil variables considered most critical for current and likely future model-based assessments are identified and new, cost-effective measurement methods that may reduce the need for conventional laboratory methods are evaluated. Following on from this, the status and prospects for improving the accuracy of soil property maps and tabular information at increasingly detailed scales (finer resolution) for the world is addressed. Finally, the scope for collecting large amounts of ‘site specific’ and ‘project specific’ soil (survey) information, possibly through crowd-sourcing, and consistently storing, screening and analysing such data are discussed within the context of ISRIC’s emerging Global Soil Information Facilities (GSIF), together with the institutional implications. GSIF-related activities are currently being embedded in global initiatives such as the FAO-led Global Soil Partnership, GlobalSoilMap.net, the ICSU World Data System, and the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS) that promote participatory approaches to data sharing.
- ItemPlant Strategies and Cultural Practices to Improve the Uptake of Indigenous Soil P and the Efficiency of Fertilization(2013-01) A.L. Smit; M. Blom-Zandstra; A. van der Werf; Bindraban, Prem S.This study investigates the hypothesis that enhancing early plant growth can improve the utilization of phosphorus (P) from both indigenous soil resources and fertilizer P. Phosphorus availability is a critical factor limiting crop production worldwide, with substantial variation in P fertilizer application rates across continents. The annual input of mineral P fertilizer in global food production exceeds crop P offtake, resulting in P accumulation in soils. This inefficiency in P utilization is exacerbated by losses in the production chain, with erosion being a major contributor. As finite P resources dwindle, maximizing efficiency becomes imperative. To efficiently exploit accumulated P in soils and enhance the uptake of newly applied P fertilizers, early plant root growth must be improved. This report analyzes the impact of early root growth on enhancing plant P uptake, irrespective of soil P levels.
- ItemEnhancing Early Growth to Exploit Indigenous Soil P and Fertilizer P(2013-01) A.L. Smit; M. Blom-Zandstra; A. van der Werf; Bindraban, Prem S.This study investigates the hypothesis that enhancing early plant growth can lead to a more efficient utilization of phosphorus (P) from both indigenous soil resources and P fertilizers. Phosphorus availability is a limiting factor for crop production globally, and substantial amounts of mineral P fertilizer are applied to sustain food production. However, the efficiency of P fertilizer use remains low, with considerable losses throughout the production chain. Furthermore, excessive P application can lead to P accumulation in soils. As P resources are finite, improving plant uptake ability becomes crucial. This report focuses on analyzing the impact of early root growth on enhancing plant P uptake, irrespective of soil P levels.
- ItemGlobal Changes of Net Primary Productivity, Affected by Climate and Abrupt Land Use Changes Since 1981(2013-04) Conijn, J.G; Z.G. Bai; Bindraban, Prem S.; B. RutgersThis study investigates the global changes in net primary productivity (NPP) from 1981 to the present, with a particular focus on the impacts of climate variations and abrupt land use changes. Utilizing comprehensive datasets and advanced analytical techniques, the research assesses how NPP has been influenced by climatic factors such as temperature and precipitation, as well as by shifts in land use patterns. The findings reveal significant fluctuations in NPP over the study period, driven by climate variability and human-induced land use changes. Understanding these complex interactions between climate, land use, and NPP is crucial for informing sustainable land management practices and addressing global environmental challenges.
- ItemEquivalent Soil Mass and Mass Coordinate System in Soil Carbon Stock Determination(2013-09) Wendt JohnThis study explores the concept of Equivalent Soil Mass (ESM) methods in assessing soil organic carbon (OC) masses, particularly in comparison with "fixed depth" assessments. Fixed depth assessments, which evaluate soil OC in specific depth increments, may produce invalid results when soil bulk density varies. ESM methods aim to correct these errors by standardizing soil mass comparisons over time and treatments. The paper discusses the work of Lee et al. (2009) and their conclusions that ESM methods may fail when no initial OC masses are available. However, a reanalysis of the data suggests that ESM methods remain valid when applied correctly. This study underscores the importance of using equivalent soil masses for accurate comparisons in OC masses, providing insights into the proper application of ESM methods.
- ItemSoils and Fertilizers: Expert Views(2014-12) Ronald Vargas; Bijay Singh; Bernard Vanlauwe; Bindraban, Prem S.The experts explore various aspects of soil health, including the impact of nutrient management and fertilizer application on soil properties and fertility. They discuss the importance of balanced nutrient application and the synergies between organic and mineral fertilizers within the context of Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM). The report also addresses the ongoing debate between organic and mineral fertilization and highlights the necessity of location-specific solutions for different agro-ecosystems. Furthermore, the report emphasizes the need for precision in fertilizer recommendations and the potential of geo-spatial technologies to optimize fertilizer application. It underscores the role of the fertilizer industry in providing essential nutrients, promoting good nutrient stewardship, and supporting sustainable intensification in agriculture. Lastly, the report discusses the challenges faced by smallholder farmers, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, regarding access to fertilizers, and the importance of knowledge transfer and training in efficient fertilizer use and sustainable agricultural practices.