IFDC Annual Report 2020
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2020
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Abstract
Balanced fertilization is essential for sustainable high productivity, increased nutrient use efficiency, reduced losses, and improved soil health. This report discusses the importance of balanced nutrition achieved through fertilizer, organic amendments, and biofertilizers. To facilitate balanced fertilization, the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) has developed the SMaRT framework, which includes Soil testing, Mapping, Recommendations development, and Transfer to farmers. The report presents the results of comprehensive soil testing and nutrient omission trials conducted in Ghana and Rwanda, indicating that sulfur (S), zinc (Zn), and boron (B) are often required to enhance crop productivity. Balanced fertilizer recommendations for maize and soybean are proposed for different soil types. The Government of Ghana is introducing NPK fertilizers containing the identified limiting nutrients to farmers nationwide. In Rwanda, balanced fertilization trials were conducted for crops with optimal formulations. The report also highlights progress in soil rehabilitation efforts in Niger and Ethiopia and the development of a high-capacity briquetting machine for fertilizer deep placement in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Nutrient use efficiency, Soil health, Biofertilizers, Soil testing