Procedure for Planting Using Microdoses of Fertilizer
Date
2014
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Abstract
Microdosing is a localized fertilization technique that involves applying small, precise amounts of fertilizer directly into planting holes or rows, optimizing fertilizer use for crops like sorghum and millet. This method is particularly effective in regions with degraded soils, such as semi-arid areas, and offers a sustainable way to enhance agricultural productivity. The microdose procedure includes digging planting pits 20-40 cm deep, mixing organic material such as compost or manure, and applying fertilizers like DAP, NPK, and urea in controlled amounts. The technique can be integrated with traditional practices like Zaï, Tassa, or Towalen, further boosting water retention and improving soil quality. The advantages of microdosing include increased crop yields with minimal fertilizer investment, reduced fertilizer losses, and a boost to plant resilience against drought. However, constraints like limited access to fertilizers and labor-intensive soil preparation for certain systems need to be addressed. Microdosing offers a cost-effective, sustainable solution for improving food security in resource-constrained environments.
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Sustainable agriculture