Conference Proceedings

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    Impact of Micronized Sulfur and Nitrogen Stabilizers on Nitrogen Transformation and Losses from Urea
    (2024-11-13) Syam Dodla; Kiran Pavuluri; Upendra Singh; Wendie D. Bible; Job Fugice; Jason Obrien; Rafael A. Garcia; Kent Martin
    While fertilizers are vital for food production, their environmental and health impacts necessitate a redesign. This study explores new micronized sulfur-containing nitrogen fertilizers (MSN) that offer potential benefits compared to traditional options. The objective is to understand the transformation and loss pathways of MSN such as 40-0-0-13 (MSN40) and 11-0-0-75 (MSN11) in different soil types. This study evaluated the transformation and loss pathways of nitrogen (N) from above fertilizers with and without urease (UI) and nitrification (NI) inhibitors in comparison to Urea. Results of the study showed that the MSN fertilizers had slightly lower and delayed peak NH3 volatilization compared to Urea. The use of UI with MSN fertilizers reduced NH3 volatilization losses more effectively than UI usage with Urea, indicating potential synergies between UI and S. The hydrolysis of MSN fertilizers was slowed down by the UI under both acidic and alkaline conditions similar to Urea fertilizer. The coating of MSN fertilizers with UI+NI significantly delayed NH4+ nitrification, in a manner that was either better (with MSN11) or similar to what was observed with Urea fertilizer. Coating of MSN fertilizers with UI or UI+NI delayed N leaching losses, indicating prolonged N availability in the soil. These results were corroborated by a greenhouse sorghum study where MSN fertilizers with UI or UI+NI led to higher total N uptake and higher grain yield than Urea fertilizer with UI or UI+NI. MSN fertilizers also resulted in higher total sulfur (S) uptake by sorghum, indicating improved S nutrition. Overall, the study revealed MSN fertilizers had significantly improved total N uptake by sorghum and had similar to significantly higher grain yields, especially at lower N application rate due to decreased N losses. Both urease and nitrification inhibitors show potential to further improve grain yields with MSN fertilizers similar.
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    Evaluation of Sugarcane Bagasse Biochar on Soybean Production under Different Irrigation Regimes
    (2023-11)
    Conversion of agricultural wastes to biochar and reapplying back to agricultural lands creates a circular economy and has potential to improve crop yields and carbon sequestration. This two-year study was conducted at Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Bossier from 2022 to 2023. The objectives were to: 1) determine optimum application rates of the Sugarcane Bagasse biochar on soybean production and 2) quantify irrigation effects on biochar application rates in soybean production. Biochar application rates are 0, 0.56, 1.12, 2.24, 4.48, and 11.2 Mg ha-1. These biochar application rates were evaluated under irrigated (furrow) and non-irrigated (rainfed) conditions. Plant parameters measured are germination rate, stand counts, plant biomass and grain yield. Soil moisture data was also collected before and after irrigation. Our results show that biochar application did not affect soybean germination rate and stand count for both years. In the year 2022, biochar increased soybean grain yield by 2 to 23% compared to the control under non-irrigated condition while no yield difference was observed under irrigated condition. In the year 2023, biochar improved soybean grain yield in both irrigated and non-irrigated conditions by 4 to 11% and 7.2 to 22.3% respectively compared to the control. Biochar influence on soybean grain yield in both irrigated and non-irrigated conditions varied in the two years of this study. There was no consistent influence of biochar on soil moisture at both 0-15cm and 15-30cm soil depth.
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    Highlights of the Joint East Africa 2024 Fertilizer Technical Working Group Workshop
    (2024)
    The Joint East Africa Fertilizer Technical Working Group (FTWG) Workshop held in Kampala, Uganda, on July 16-17, 2024, convened key stakeholders from Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda to validate 2023 fertilizer trade data. This workshop, part of AfricaFertilizer's ongoing efforts since its inception in 2006, aimed to provide reliable datasets for informed decision-making in agricultural policies and practices. Highlights from the workshop revealed significant trends in fertilizer imports, with Tanzania experiencing a notable increase of 26%, while Rwanda's imports showed minimal growth. Burundi reported a substantial 59% rise in imports due to government initiatives prioritizing agriculture and enhanced farmer knowledge. Uganda noted an overall increase in imports, driven by supportive policies and initiatives. The validated data will serve as a foundation for future agricultural strategies and promote effective fertilizer use in the region.
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    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.
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    Fertilizer Technical Working Group 2023 Fertilizer Statistics Validation Workshop Mozambique
    (2023-04)
    The AfricaFertilizer initiative, established in 2009, focuses on collecting, processing, and publishing fertilizer data in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), with Fertilizer Technical Working Groups (FTWGs) created in 2012 across 11 SSA countries to validate and present statistics. A recent workshop held in Maputo, Mozambique, on April 26-27, 2023, brought together 28 stakeholders from public, private sectors, and NGOs to validate fertilizer statistics from 2015 to March 2023 and analyze more recent data. Key objectives included updating participants on the VIFAA dashboard and gathering feedback. During the workshop, participants validated the fertilizer statistics but identified discrepancies in reported quantities between the Ministry of Agriculture and Customs, highlighting the need for improved data specificity to differentiate agricultural from non-agricultural uses. Currently, Mozambique relies on imports for blending, with no primary fertilizer production, and the import and export volumes have fluctuated significantly from 2015 to March 2023 due to factors like COVID-19 and geopolitical events. Moreover, Mozambique plays a critical role as a transit hub for fertilizers destined for neighboring countries, evidenced by high transit volumes. However, challenges persist, including a lack of control over fertilizer quality, reporting issues among importing companies, and the need for better harmonization of data between the Ministry of Agriculture and Customs. High importation taxes and delays at ports further complicate the fertilizer supply chain. As a result, participants recommended organizing regular meetings with Customs to ensure detailed product descriptions, reassessing importation taxes to make local ports more attractive, and enhancing communication between relevant ministries to improve data collection. Additionally, it was suggested that the Mozambique fertilizer dashboard include transit data to accurately reflect the country's vital role in regional fertilizer distribution. The workshop underscored a shared commitment among stakeholders to improve the operations of the fertilizer industry in Mozambique, ultimately benefiting smallholder farmers.