Conference Proceedings

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2019 Fertilizer Statistics Validation Workshops Fertilizer Technical Working Groups (FTWG)
(2020-10)
The aim of a pre-validation 2019 national workshop was to compile and validate the 2019 fertilizer statistics, analyse and inform participants actions taken by WAFA and enhance networking among stakeholders. At the end of the workshop, participants were expected to prepare statistical tables on fertilizer imports, exports, consumption and production to be presented at the regional al FTWG workshop for validation. The workshop covered four countries; Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Mali and Senegal. Each workshop was attended by ten delegates, five from the public sector and five from the private sector. A total of 98 people took part in the workshop. The meetings were conducted from 9-5 and the data used for validation were fertilizer production capacity, fertilizer exports and imports and fertilizer use by crops. The validation method was drawn from a prototype used since 2012 by AFO, FAOSTAT AND Country STAT. The results indicated an increase in consumption in Côte d'Ivoire and Senegal by 66% and 5% respectively. Mali and Burkina Faso had decreases of 13% and 38% respectively. Challenges experienced during the validation includes access to data, difficulty in estimating volumes of fertilizer imported and exported and lack of regulatory framework. Important recommendations were to create collaborations between private sectors and WAFA, studies to be conducted on consumption by product and crop, continuous meetings and creating public private partnerships platform for every country.
2023 Ghana Fertilizer Statistics Validation Workshop And Visualizing Insights of Fertilizer for African Agriculture Feedback Meeting
(2023-03)
The meeting held on March 2-3, 2023, in Sogakope, Volta Region, Ghana, brought together 33 participants from public, private, and NGO sectors to discuss key issues related to fertilizer use and management. The objectives were to validate and process 2022 statistical data on fertilizer production, imports, exports, and consumption, as well as to update historical statistics from 2010-2021. The expected outcomes included the validation of 2022 fertilizer data, the preparation of statistical output tables, and the creation of key highlights for dissemination among stakeholders. The methodology involved a series of presentations, discussions, and group work sessions. Participants engaged with the Visualizing Insights on Fertilizer for African Agriculture (VIFAA) dashboard to review and validate available data. The first day featured an opening ceremony with remarks from representatives of various organizations, followed by key presentations on fertilizer trade statistics, the validation methodology for 2022 datasets, and updates on the "Planting for Food and Jobs" initiative. Discussions highlighted challenges such as the need for lime in fertilization practices, the importance of accurate data collection, and the potential for online platforms to facilitate data sharing. On the second day, an interactive session recapped the previous day's activities before diving into further presentations. Notable highlights included a 103% increase in fertilizer imports in 2022 and the introduction of the Africa Trade Exchange Platform. Participants addressed challenges like smuggling of subsidized fertilizers and quality concerns amid rising prices due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The meeting underscored significant investments in local fertilizer blending plants and a 90% rise in apparent fertilizer consumption from 2021 to 2022, emphasizing the pressing issue of fertilizer affordability. The discussions fostered essential dialogue on data validation, market challenges, and the future of fertilizer management in Ghana.
A Conceptual Framework for Delivering Improved Fertilizers to Smallholder Farmers in Africa
(2018) Wendt John; L.W. Mbuthia
Most smallholder African farmers have access to only NP and NPK fertilizers. A host of secondary and micronutrient deficiencies have been identified throughout the continent, which when addressed, results in marked yield improvement. A challenge is to get balanced fertilizers (those that supplement available fertilizers with secondary and micronutrients) to these smallholders, who often can neither afford nor access quality soil analyses. We lay out a conceptual framework, which is being implemented to varying degrees in various African countries, to deliver improved fertilizers to smallholders. The SMART framework stands for Soil testing. Mapping. Recommendations development, and Technology transfer. Soil testing is done on a broad scale to identify major likely deficiencies, using complete analyses by a qualified laboratory. The major deficiencies are mapped, and crop-specific recommendations are developed through on-farm "best bet" and omission trials, considering predominant deficiencies and crop-specific nutrient demands. Once superior fertilizers have been validated, these recommendations are transferred to farmers by commercial fertilizer interests. Fertilizer regulations in many African countries need to be adjusted to accommodate new fertilizers, as regulations were often designed primarily for commodity NPK fertilizers.
A secured Market as a Trigger for Organizing the Value Chain: The Case of Yellow Maize and Sesame Partnerships in Mali
(2017) Faoussa Tadjo ; Youssouf Traore; Baba Togola
This paper discusses the development of sustainable sourcing relationships between lead firms targeting secure markets and producers through a collector system for yellow maize and sesame. Coordinating value chains for these commodities presents unique challenges, including the need to establish sourcing relations with producers and the difficulty of maintaining lasting relationships with sesame producers due to the demand-driven market. The lead firms, SONAF for maize and PROSEMA for sesame partnered with 2SCALE to develop strategies for engaging with stakeholders, particularly producer organizations, and utilized collectors to ensure a secure sourcing of products. The partnership focused on strengthening the organization of producer cooperatives and their relations with other agribusiness cluster members, resulting in enhanced coordination among actors in Mali's agricultural sector. This case study specifically examines SONAF's sourcing of yellow maize in Mali, highlighting the initial situation, the SONAF-2SCALE partnership, interventions implemented, and the results achieved, including increased formalization of business relationships, improved access to quality seeds, establishment of input credit mechanisms, and capacity strengthening of producers. Overall, the study demonstrates the effectiveness of value chain coordination and stakeholder engagement in promoting sustainable sourcing practices and fostering agricultural development in challenging market environments.
Africa Fertilizer Summit Proceedings
(2007-04) IFDC
The New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) recognizes the crucial role of economic growth in Africa and the need for a comprehensive strategy to promote agricultural development, food security, and rural progress. To achieve this vision, NEPAD has adopted the Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP), which aims to achieve 6% annual growth in agricultural production. However, African farmers face numerous challenges, including low productivity, limited access to agricultural technologies, and weak markets. A significant obstacle is the severe depletion of soils due to decades of nutrient mining, resulting in impoverished soil fertility and the inability to feed the growing population sustainably. Addressing Africa's fertilizer crisis is essential for unleashing the continent's agricultural potential. Currently, fertilizer usage in Africa is only 10% of the global average, averaging eight kilograms per hectare. To overcome this crisis, urgent and bold actions are required. The African Union (AU) convened the Africa Fertilizer Summit in 2006, where African leaders expressed their commitment to solving the fertilizer crisis and achieving a Green Revolution in Africa. The AU's resolution outlines several vital measures to accelerate farmers' access to fertilizers. These include increasing fertilizer usage from the current average of 8 kilograms per hectare to at least 50 kilograms per hectare by 2015, reducing the cost of fertilizer procurement through policy harmonization and tax exemptions, improving farmers' access to fertilizers through networks and subsidies, and investing in infrastructure and financing facilities for input suppliers. The resolution also emphasizes promoting regional fertilizer production, trade, and intra-regional cooperation. Africa's agricultural productivity has stagnated, resulting in chronic food insecurity, poverty, and economic stagnation. By learning from the successful Green Revolution experiences in Asia and Latin America, Africa can unlock its agricultural potential and achieve sustainable development. Increasing productivity, improving farmers' access to inputs, and addressing the fertilizer crisis are essential steps toward ending hunger, reducing poverty, and spurring economic growth in Africa. Establishing monitoring mechanisms and a dedicated financing mechanism will ensure the effective implementation of these measures. With strong commitment and collaboration among governments, development partners, and the private sector, Africa can pave the way for a uniquely African Green Revolution that ensures its people's dignity, peace, and food self-sufficiency.
Atelier de Validation des Statistiques Engrais 2020 par les Groupes de Travail Techniques sur les Engrais (Gtte) du Sénégal
(2021-03-18)
L'atelier de validation des statistiques sur les engrais 2020 au Sénégal, tenu le 18 mars 2021, a été organisé par les Groupes de travail techniques sur les engrais (GTTE) en collaboration avec l'AFO, WAFA et l'APESEN, soutenus par le projet EnGRAIS. Cet atelier a rassemblé 29 participants, issus majoritairement du secteur privé, ainsi que des représentants clés du secteur public. Son objectif principal était de valider les données statistiques sur la production, l'importation, l'exportation et la consommation apparente d'engrais au Sénégal pour l'année 2020. L'atelier comportait des séances plénières et des travaux de groupe, aboutissant à des statistiques mises à jour qui éclaireront divers rapports et initiatives agricoles à travers le pays. Afrique de l'Ouest. Les discussions ont souligné l’importance d’une collecte et d’une communication de données précises pour améliorer le marché des engrais et soutenir le développement agricole. Les principaux résultats comprennent une compréhension globale du paysage des engrais, une meilleure collaboration entre les parties prenantes et des recommandations pour affiner les méthodologies statistiques.
Books of Abstracts: Identification of Evidence-Based Responsible Fertilizer Use in Ghana; 2022 FERARI In-Person Coordination Conference
(2022-10) William Adzawla; Renu Pandey; Christian O. Dimkpa; Comfort Y. Freeman; Yussif Baba Kassim; Bindraban, Prem S.; Williams K. Atakora
This Book of Abstracts on identification of evidence-based responsible fertilizer use in Ghana was developed to provide an overview of key research about fertilization strategies as related to improving soil health in Ghana. The abstracts are called for in FERARI’s first in-person coordination meeting in Ghana, delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The conference is bringing together various stakeholders under the FERARI program to discuss the past three years of project implementation and the way forward. Largely, the research has been done by the M.Sc. and Ph.D. student researchers and the researchers from the various associated institutions and universities. In most cases, the abstracts were written with data generated through experiments and surveys conducted under the FERARI program. The abstracts focus on nutrient transfer from soils, chemical interactions within the soil system, economics/agribusiness and sustainability of soil fertility management, nutrient management and enhanced crop yield, and stakeholder analysis of soil health. The Book of Abstracts was coordinated by researchers in the FERARI program and its collaborative researchers. These coordinators have in-depth knowledge on the fertilizer sector and crop fertilization, with records of publication on soil health, crop production, and farm economics. The Book of Abstracts provides some evidence on FERARI’s objectives of training a new generation of fertilizer scientists and provides recommendations on how to improve crop productivity through the use of balanced fertilization. This Book of Abstracts provides evidence for the need to improve soil fertility, especially through the use of macronutrients and micronutrients. It is the first of its kind under the FERARI program, and we expect that it will raise the awareness of our audience of the significant impact the program is making to improve upon existing fertilizer research. Overall, the abstracts on the experimental data highlight the impacts of various fertilizer types, rates, and application methods on crop yields, particularly for maize, rice, and soybean. The socioeconomic results also highlight the major challenges confronting the fertilizer sector in Ghana and some strategies for addressing these.
Calibration of Solvita CO2 Burst System for Reducing Nitrogen Pollution in Agronomic Systems
(2021-11-10) Annabelle E. McEachin; Elizabeth A. Guertal; Audrey V. Gamble; Upendra Singh
Over application of nitrogen (N) fertilizer causes reduced fertilizer use efficiency, and possible drinking water contamination and eutrophication of affected waterways. Nitrogen fertilizer is often over applied because standard soil tests do not include a well-calibrated soil-test for N. This is partly because it is challenging to account for the N soil microorganisms will mineralize during the growing season. Quantification of potentially mineralizable soil nitrogen by multiweek incubations is time consuming and often not possible for large scale commercial labs. CO2 base trap titrations and analysis with gas chromatography are also tedious and not suitable for high volume use. The Solvita Field CO2 Test provides an alternative that only requires a 24-hour incubation period, with evolved CO2 directly correlated to the quantity of N mineralized. The objective of this project was to conduct incubation experiments on soils gathered from Alabama fields under a variety of management strategies (including high crop residue) and to compare N mineralization from that predicted via the initial Solvita test. Samples were collected from four crop rotation systems for initial testing, with soils sampled from the 0-15cm layer for: 1) conventional tillage corn with complete N-P-K fertilization, 2) no tillage turfgrass with minimal fertilization, 3) conservation tillage cotton with and complete N-P-K fertilization, and 3) conservation tillage cotton with rye cover and complete N-P-K fertilization. Initial analysis have not indicated a strong correlation between the three traditional measurement methods and the Solvita test data.
Can Controlled-Release Phosphate Fertilizer Improve Phosphorus Efficiency?
(2012-10-23) Sampson Agyin-Birikorang; Upendra Singh; Joaquin Sanabria; Wendie D. Bible
Many phosphorus (P) uptake kinetic studies show that the pattern of P uptake in the early growth stages of annual crops is generally similar to crop dry matter accumulation. Thus, we hypothesized that matching P delivery to crops’ P demand could increase P uptake and use efficiency of annual crops in the season of P application. In greenhouse studies, we simulated controlled-release P fertilizer by making small, periodic additions of fertilizer P directly into the root zone of two cereal crops through “feeding” tubes for quick and continual plant P uptake. The crops were grown on a P deficient highly weathered soil with P retention capacity of ~20%. Split application of P, where a portion of P is applied at planting and other portions applied at subsequent time intervals, was utilized as a simulation of controlled-release P fertilizer. Upland rice and winter wheat were used as test crops in the spring-summer and winter seasons, respectively. The crops’ growth phenology was monitored, and samples were harvested at heading and maturity stages to determine yield and P uptake. Preliminary data show that supplying P in small doses over time shortened the days to panicle initiation, heading and maturity, and improved P uptake efficiency relative to basally applying P at planting. Treatment effects on yield, so far, are not conclusive. However, based on P uptake efficiency and growth rate of the two cereal crops, we hypothesize that controlled-release P fertilizer could improve P efficiency in the season of P application. This could have major agronomic and environmental benefits.
Can Optimal Fertilizer Application Rate Differ from Economically Optimal Fertilizer Rate? A Case Study with Zinc Application for Maize Production in Northern Ghana
(2021-11-09) Sampson Agyin-Birikorang; Ignatius Tindjina; Haruna W. Dauda ; Job Fugice
Although fertilizer recommendations are based on optimal yields, the minimal fertilizer application rate that ensures both high productivity and profitability will be attractive to most farmers. In a three-year study at six locations across the savanna agroecological zones (AEZs) of northern Ghana, we quantified maize yield responses to seven Zn application rates (0 to 15 kg Zn ha-1), and determined the economically optimal Zn rate for maize production. Across all experimental sites and for the three growing seasons, maize grain yield followed the order: 15 kg Zn ha-1 = 12.5 kg Zn ha-1 = 10 kg Zn ha-1 = 7.5 kg Zn ha-1 > 5 kg Zn ha-1 > 2.5 kg Zn ha-1 > control, suggesting that 7.5 kg Zn ha-1 was the optimal Zn application rate. However, based on agro-input prices at local level and farmgate prices of maize, the potential gross profits resulting from Zn application was maximized at 5 kg Zn ha-1 instead. At Zn application rates of 12.5 and 15 kg ha-1, there was a significant increase in grain Zn concentration. From the combined results, we conclude that for increased profitability from the maize production system, Zn application rate of 5 kg ha-1 is economically justified, but for increasing the Zn content of the grains, Zn application rate should not be lower than 12.5 kg ha-1. Nonetheless, unless premium prices are paid for Zn-enriched maize grains, for sustainable and profitable maize production in these Zn-deficient soils of the savanna AEZs of northern Ghana, ideal Zn applications rate should be 5 kg Zn ha-1, although the optimum Zn application rate was observed to be 7.5 kg ha-1.
Can Secondary and Micronutrients Really Increase Maize Productivity? A Case Study in the Savanna Agroecological Zones of Northern Ghana
(2023-11-01) Sampson Agyin-Birikorang; Raphael Adu-Gyamfi; Job Fugice; Ignatius Tindjina
Over the past decades, fertilizer recommendation for maize production in savanna agroecological zones of northern Ghana has been NPK-based. However in recent times there is a strong push for the inclusion of secondary- and micro-nutrients in the fertilizer recommendations. During the 2018 and 2019 growing seasons, we conducted nutrient omission trials in 12 locations within the Sudan savanna and Guinea savanna agroecological zones of northern Ghana to quantify maize yield gaps resulting from omission of secondary and micronutrients from NPK-only fertilization for maize production. In the 2018 and 2019 growing seasons, applying only NPK fertilizer resulted in average yields of 3.22 and 3.89 t ha−1, respectively, in the Guinea savanna agroecological zone and 2.0 and 2.65 t ha−1, respectively, in the Sudan savanna agroecological zone. During the two growing seasons, application of sulfur (S), zinc (Zn), and boron (B) in addition to the NPK fertilizers (“balanced” fertilization) resulted in an average of 60% and 64% yield increases over those of the NPK-only treatment in the Sudan savanna and Guinea savanna agroecological zones, respectively. Compared to balanced fertilization, omission of S, Zn, and B reduced grain yield by an average of ~34%, ~28%, and ~14%, respectively, in the Guinea savanna agroecological zone and 27%, 29% and 15%, respectively, in the Sudan savanna agroecological zone. The combined data suggest that, even though secondary and micronutrients are needed in small quantities by plants relative to N, P, and K, they have an enormous effect on crop productivity. Therefore, to ensure sustainably increased maize productivity in the savanna agroecological zones of northern Ghana, fertilizer recommendations should not be restricted to only NPK fertilizers; limiting secondary and micronutrients must be accounted for in a holistic and balanced fertilizer recommendation.
Capping Fertilizer Use while Enhancing Food and Nutrition Security in China
(2016-03) Bindraban, Prem S.; Marco Ferroni; Dominik Klauser; Christian O. Dimkpa; Wendt John; Yam Kanta Gaihre; Kalimuthu Senthilkumar; Deborah Bossie; Weifeng Zhang; Kempen Bas ; Satish Chander; Renu Pandey; Jason C. White; Bonnie Mcr Jaffcrty!; Scott Angle
Despite concerns about the ability of China to be self-sufficient in food, it has increased the per capita availability of food for its 1.4 billion people and dramatically reduced food insecurity over the past decades. However, China's self-sufficiency in food production came with dramatic environmental trade-offs due to excessive use of fertilizers. In response, the government of China imposed a policy of zero growth in the use of chemical fertilizers by 2020, with a challenge to the agricultural and fertilizer community to improve the nutrient use efficiency (NUE) of crops. These objectives have to be met while still ensuring food and nutrition security, and sustaining ecosystem health. In this paper we make a case for revisiting the functioning of fertilizers, in order to achieve a more effective and multifaceted impact on ecology and society. This leads to the notion of adopting a range of strategies with the potential for addressing the low NUE. These include identification of currently most effective fertilizer products and improved nutrient management practices for the immediate term, while designing innovative fertilizers based on plant nutrient physiology, developing "smart" fertilizers that recognize plant cues, deploying bio-nano-technology, and fortifying basic fertilizers with micronutrients.
Climate-Smart Fertilizers: Pioneering Tools to Address an Overlooked Yet Disruptive Problem
(2023-11-01) Tiziano Celli; Katherine Smith; Job Fugice; Jay Schwalbe; Joshua McEnaney; Nicolas Pinkowski
Nitrogen (N) fertilizers are essential for enhancing crop productivity. However, both production and soil application responses related to N fertilizers can lead to significant greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Conventional production methods use fossil fuels and emit 4 lbs of CO2 per lb of N. Once applied, reactions in the soil can produce nitrous oxide (N2O) that constitutes up to 6% of US GHG emissions. N2O emissions are lower in absolute mass than CO2, but their warming effect is 300 times greater over a century. Agriculture is responsible for 75% of global N2O emissions, primarily due to N fertilizer use. Nitricity Inc. is committed to providing innovative solutions for reducing these environmental concerns. In 2022, Nitricity partnered with the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) to implement a containerized production system and produce N fertilizer using air, water, and renewable energy (hydroelectric power) on-site in Muscle Shoals, AL. The fertilizer was used for experiments with two objectives: quantifying N2O emissions from different fertilizer sources and assessing the effectiveness of continuous monitoring using the Picarro G2508 Gas Concentration Analyzer. Two soil types were fertilized with the equivalent of 200 kg N/ha from either Urea or Calcium Nitrate (CN) produced with Nitricity's technology and two different calcium sources. The results demonstrated that CN significantly reduced soil N2O emissions compared to urea, regardless of the calcium source. The study also highlighted the efficacy of the Picarro G2508 Analyzer in reducing labor costs and continuously monitoring N2O emissions. These findings emphasize the success of Nitricity’s novel, electrified production and the need to explore alternative management practices to mitigate the environmental impact of N fertilizers. By embracing innovation and utilizing available tools, the industry can make substantial contributions to reducing GHG emissions and creating a more sustainable future.
Climate-Smart Water and Nitrogen Management Strategies for Lowland Rice
(2015-03-17) Yam Kanta Gaihre; Bindraban, Prem S.; Upendra Singh; Joaquin Sanabria; M. Abdus Satter
World Nitrogen (N) fertilizer consumption is around 100 million metric tons and is expected to increase with growing food production. However, the N use efficiency with current surface application of urea is extremely low (35-40%) due to its losses from ammonia volatilization, nitrification, denitrification and runoff, particularly under flooded rice cultivation. N losses disrupt natural ecosystems, impair water quality and contribute to global warming (nitrous oxide [N2O] emissions). Climate-smart technologies maximize synergies while minimizing tradeoffs associated with increased productivity and sustainable farmer income, reduced environmental pollution and reduced vulnerability to climate variability and risks. Technologies that reduce environmental footprint without sacrificing productivity, farmer income and sustainability are more likely be adopted by farmers. Modified urea-N fertilizers and/or subsurface application have resulted in significant reduction in N losses and increased productivity. In Bangladesh subsurface application of urea – urea deep placement (UDP) – has increased rice yield by 15-18% while reducing N use by one-third compared with broadcast urea. UDP also resulted in significant reduction in N volatilization loss (<5% vs. 25-35% with conventional application) and N2O emissions. N2O emissions from UDP fields were as low as emissions from unfertilized N plots, ranging from 20-50 g N2O-N ha-1 (wet season) to 100-160 g N2O-N ha-1 (dry season). Moreover, the drudgery of deep-placement was reduced with the use of affordable applicators, and, combined with a single N application and reduced weeding, it decreased labor requirement by 15-25% compared to broadcast urea. UDP technology has proven to be an effective climate-smart agricultural practice that increases the food production and wellbeing of poor rice farmers and reduces GHG emissions through the combination of reduced N fertilizer use and reduced N losses. Preliminary results also show reduced N2O emissions from UDP under alternate-wetting and drying conditions (AWD). The combination of UDP and AWD resulted in reduced N2O and methane emissions, water saving and higher grain yield compared to continuously flooded conditions with conventional application of urea.
Comparison of Yield Response and Nutrient Use Efficiency between Urea Deep Placement Technology and Farmers' Practice of Surface Broadcasting Urea on Transplanted Lowland Rice in Myanmar
(2018) Myint Aung; Z.Y. Myint; S. Thura; Grahame Hunter ; Upendra Singh; Joaquin Sanabria
Urea deep placement (UDP) adaptation trials in randomized complete block design with four treatments and three replications were conducted in two wet seasons (2014 and 2015) and two dry seasons (2105 and 2016) at selected sites in the Delta Region of Myanmar to study yield comparison and nutrient use efficiency between UDP and surface broadcasting urea on transplanted lowland rice. The four treatments were: (1) control (0 N), (2) farmers' practice of urea application with farmers' rate (FP). (3) urea broadcasting (UB) with the same rate as UDP, and (4) UDP. A Generalized Linear Mixed Model was used to analyze variances among treatments, locations, and interaction of location by treatment for each year/season. Yield superiority of UDP over other treatments and nutrient use efficiency (NUE) for each urea applied treatment were calculated. Significant differences at Poon) were observed among treatments and locations in every year/season. Significant differences of interaction of treatments by locations at Pons) were found in wet season trials only. UDP gave the highest yield at all times. It was significantly higher than FP treatment and often higher than UB treatment. Yield superiority of UDP over UB and FP was 16-18% in the wet season and 24-28% in the dry season. Nutrient use efficiency with UDP was double the NUE with other N-applied treatments. UDP produced 30 kg of rice grain for every kg of N applied while other treatments produced 14-17 kg of rice grain per kg of N applied. UDP is therefore the more effective technology to apply N fertilizer on transplanted lowland rice, and dry season results indicated that yield with UDP could be expected more with best management practices under favorable water conditions and proper water management.
Determination of Optimum Farmyard Manure and Np Fertilizers for Maize on Farmers’ Fields
(2001-02) Wakene Negassa; Kefyalew Negisho; Dennis K. Friesen; Joel Ransom; Abebe Yadessa
A study was initiated in 1997 to introduce the culture of supplementing low rates of NP fertilizers with farmyard manure (FYM) in the maize based farming systems of western Oromia. The treatments were 0/0, 20/20, 40/25 and 60/30 kg N/P ha-1 and 0, 4, 8, and 12 t FYM ha-1 in factorial arrangement in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The experiment was conducted at Laga Kalla, Walda, Shoboka, Harato, and Bako Research Center using BH660 hybrid maize. The FYM used for the experiment was well decomposed under shade and spot applied together with the P fertilizer at planting; N was applied in split form. The residual effects of FYM were investigated for Laga Kalla, Walda and Shoboka during the 1998 cropping season. Statistical analysis revealed that the N/P fertilizers and FYM significantly (p<0.05) increased grain yield in all locations except for Walda in 1997. Interactions of FYM and NP fertilizer rates were significant (p≤0.05) at all locations except for Shoboka. The application of FYM alone at rates of 4, 8, and 12 t ha-1 produced average grain yields of 5.76, 5.61 and 5.93 t ha-1, respectively, compared to 3.53 t ha-1 for the control treatment. Laboratory analysis confirmed that considerable amounts of macronutrients and small amounts of micronutrients were supplied by the FYM. There were significant residual effects of FYM and NP fertilizers applied in 1997 on maize grain yields in 1998. Based on the results of this study, the integrated use of properly managed FYM and low rates NP fertilizers could be used for maize production in the areas under consideration. Moreover, sole applications of FYM on relatively fertile soils like Walda and Harato are useful in maintaining soil fertilty and are encouraging for resource poor farmers.
Development of Slow Release Carrier of Phosphorus to Improve its Use Efficiency
(2016-04) Mandira Barman; Renu Pandey; Anjali; Bindraban, Prem S.
The concentration of inorganic phosphorus (P) in soil solution is usually much lower than that of the root cells due to its fixation by different soil components. Developing a controlled release technology to reduce P fixation and loss through run-off will therefore be helpful in enhancing P use efficiency in crops. Low molecular organic acids such as oxalic acid or citric acid are known to solubilise fixed P in soil. Hence, these can be used to increase P availability in soil. Therefore, our aim was to develop controlled delivery system using clay and polymer which can be used as a release carrier of different materials like oxalic acid, P and phosphate solubilising bacteria (PSB) in soil to increase P availability. Clay polymer composite (CPC) was synthesized using poly acrylate and bentonite. After synthesis, the polymers were dried in oven at 100" C. Then dried CPCs were loaded with loaded with oxalic acid, P and PSB. To assess the response of crop to applied CPC a greenhouse experiment was conducted using wheat as a test crop. Treatment combination consisted of oxalic acid @ 40 ppm, half of recommended dose of P through CPC, PSB through CPC and full recommended dose of P (RDP) through di- ammonium phosphate (DAP) fertilizer. Results indicate that at 45 DAS available P in soil was highest in full RDP through DAP treated pots which was at par with half recommended P through CPC and PSB through CPC treated pots, But at harvest available P was much lower in DAP fertilizer treated pots (5.0 mg/kg) than half recommended P through CPC (7.87 mg/kg), PSB through CPC (8.1 mg/kg) and oxalic acid through CPC (6.8 mg/kg) treated pots. Half recommended P and PSB through CPC and DAP fertilizer were equally effective as far as dry matter yield and uptake were concerned. This indicates that half recommended P applied through CPC is able to maintain soil available P for longer period. Also oxalic acid and PSB applied through CPC can be used to solubilize native soil P. Therefore, CPC can be used as controlled delivery system of nutrients and other agrochemicals to improve nutrient use efficiency.
Differential Response of Rice Plants to Foliar Application of Iron and Phosphate is Regulated by Antioxidant Scavenging System
(2016-03) Sandeep Sharma; Priyanka Borah; Lakshmi Raj; Mukesh Kumar Meena; Bindraban, Prem S.; Mandira Barman; Renu Pandey
This conference paper investigates the differential response of rice plants to foliar applications of iron (Fe) and phosphate (P) and explores the role of the antioxidant scavenging system in regulating this response. Phosphorus and iron are essential nutrients for plant growth and development, and foliar application is a practical approach to supplement these nutrients due to their limited bioavailability in soil. The study conducted experiments to assess how different Fe and P compounds affect rice plants and found varying responses based on the compounds used. Specifically, the paper discusses the impact on antioxidant enzyme activities, lipid peroxidation, nutrient partitioning, and yield-related traits. The results highlight the importance of optimizing nutrient concentrations to achieve better plant growth while avoiding oxidative stress. The findings provide valuable insights into enhancing nutrient management strategies for rice cultivation.
Drought and Low Nitrogen Tolerant Hybrids for the Moist Mid Altitude Ecology of Eastern Africa
(2004-01) Alpha O. Diallo; J. Kikafunda; Legesse Wolde; Omari Odongo; Z. O. Mduruma; W. S. Chivatsi; Stephen N Mugo; Marianne Bänziger; Dennis K. Friesen
Maize is the principal food staple of the rural and urban poor of eastern and central Africa, constituting > 50% of the caloric intake derived from cereals in the region. Drought and low soil fertility are among the most important constraints to maize production even in the high potential moist mid-altitude eco-zone. This zone, generally falling within the altitudinal range of 1000-1800 masl and characterized by rainfall of >500 mm and mean temperature of 21.5°C, comprises a total area of approximately 500,000 hectares in Kenya alone, and is among the most densely populated regions on the continent. Though of high potential productivity, fertilizer use is constrained by high costs and lack of credit for small holders. Maize productivity in maize-based cropping systems could be greatly improved using varieties that utilize nitrogen (N) from fertilizers and other sources more efficiently as well as tolerating the periodic moisture stress. Farmers in this region have shown a preference for hybrid maize varieties. The objective of the research described here was to develop hybrid maize varieties adapted this ecology that are tolerant of low soil fertility and drought. Drought and low N tolerant inbred lines developed by CIMMYT-Harare in collaboration with CIMMYT Mexico were crossed with two streak resistant testers (CML202 and CML206) during the 1997-98minor season. In 1999, the resulting crosses were evaluated across 7 sites and compared with local checks under both stressed (managed drought and low N) and unstressed conditions. The selected best single cross hybrids were crossed with 2 other testers (CML78 and CML384) in 2000 and the resulting 3 way-hybrids were evaluated as in 1999. Grain yield and secondary traits such as Anthesis-Silking Interval (ASI), leaf senescence, and number of ears per plant were used to select the most promising materials. Eight drought and low N tolerant 3-way hybrids were identified which yield 24, 15 and 64% more than the best commercial hybrid checks under optimum, low N and drought stress conditions, respectively. These hybrids have the potential to increase yields, reduce input requirements and improve yield stability for resource-poor farmers in densely populated high potential eco-zones of Eastern and Southern Africa.
DSSAT CERES-Teff Model Development
(2021-11-9) Mulugeta Demiss Belew; Willingthon Pavan; Upendra Singh
Crop models are powerful tools that describe crop development and growth as a function of crop management, weather, and soil conditions. However, a comprehensive model that captures these factors and their interaction for Teff [Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter], was initiated only recently. Teff is the most important cereal in Ethiopia grown in about 3.1million hectares (24.17% of the total grain crops). Teff’s popularity is increasing globally due to gluten-free grains with high in calcium and iron content. This presents a growing economic opportunity for Ethiopia and its farmers. Teff is also becoming a viable source of high quality and high yielding hay and silage in a relatively short growing season in the USA. Teff straw is valued as a high quality, low input, warm season fodder. CERES-Rice model within the Cropping System Model platform of the Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT) was used as the module to develop the teff model. Rice model offered options for direct-seeding and transplanting of teff, cultivar-specific tillering effect, and the ability to simulate wide range of hydrologic regime from anaerobic flooded/saturated to aerobic upland conditions, all of which capture teff’s characteristics and growing conditions. The CERES- teff model as presented here simulated the effect of water, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and daylength on crop growth and development. A concerted effort is needed to conduct knowledge-gap research on teff and evaluate teff model under a wide range of conditions. Teff can play greater role in food and nutritional security and as a climate resilient crop.

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