FERARI Quarterly Newsletter-January 2022
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2022
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This study discusses the fertilizer research and implementation efforts of the Fertilizer Research and Responsible Implementation (FERARI) program in Ghana. FERARI conducted farmer-managed fertilizer trials and surveys to understand the impact of fertilizers on crop yield. Findings revealed challenges for the fertilizer industry, government, farmers, and researchers. FERARI addresses these issues through the Fertilizer Platform Ghana, facilitating discussions among stakeholders. The study highlights low nutrient use efficiency and the need for improved economic viability amid rising fertilizer prices. FERARI adopts new analysis methods, including crop and soil modeling, to study climate effects on crop physiology. Spatial analysis of soil properties informs trial site selection. Drones are introduced for precise data collection, aiding precision agriculture. The study addresses the impact of rising fertilizer prices on Ghana's food security and emphasizes the importance of understanding and improving fertilizer use efficiency. Capacity-building efforts include staff training for computerized data collection. The establishment of the Fertilizer Platform Ghana is a key outcome, aiming to address fertilizer sector issues collectively.
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Fertilizers