Soil fertility management

African smallholder farmers face perennial food shortages due to low crop yields. The major cause of poor crop yields is soil fertility decline. The diversity of sites and soils between African farming systems is<span class=GramE>great,</span>therefore strategies to solve soil fertility problems should suit the opportunities and problems encountered in the different climatic regions. This thesis characterizes the semi-arid regions of south-western Zimbabwe and explores some of the strategies that can be used to provide farmers with more options for soil fertility improvement.<o:p></o:p></span>Resource flow maps were used to study the characteristics of the semi-arid farming system of Tsholotsho (Mkhubazi)in south-western<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Zimbabwe. The results revealed that farmers in the region face perennial cereal grain shortages, but the poorly-resourced farmers are the most affected. N...

Maize (Zeu muys L.) is the most important cereal crop in the hills of Nepal, where the grain is used for human consumption and the stover for animal fodder. Maize farms are small, and population pressure necessitates the intensification of existing farming systems. Maize research directed at developing technologies for maize production began in Nepal in 1965. In 2000, a survey was carried out in two districts to determine the current level of adoption of improved maize production practices. In each of these districts, remote and accessible village development committees (VDCs) were surveyed. Questionnaires were administered to 54 randomly selected households in each VDC. A Tobit analysis was used to determine socio-economic, physical and technology factors that influence the use of improved varieties by farmers. All households use composted farmyard manure, and in the more accessible areas, urea as part of their soil fertility management strategy. Use of improved varieties was less than 60% for all VDCs and only 15% in the most remote VDC. In three of the four VDCs, adoption of improved varieties primarily occurred during the past 5 years. Based on a Tobit analysis, Khet land area, ethnic group, years of fertiliser use, off-farm income, and contact with extension significantly and positively affected adoption of improved varieties. Farmers in VDCs in central Nepal reported lack of seed to be the major constraint to the adoption of improved varieties, while lack of knowledge of new varieties was the major constraint for farmers in the western VDCs. The results from this survey suggest that the strategy for improving the adoption of new varieties will differ depending on infrastructure and the socio-economic conditions of the farmers in a given area.

An experiment was carried out to examine the effectiveness of four different composts formulated from poultry (PM) and cowdung (CD) manures as primary constituents and two bulking agents namely sawdust (SD) and sorted refuse (SR) on some yield components of maize for two cropping seasons. All compost mixtures were fortified with rock phosphate and urea. The compost treatments (PM/SD, PM/SR, CD/SD and CD/SR at ratio 3:1) were applied at 2.5 tonnes/ha, replicated three times with NPK (15:15:15) fertilizer applied at 300 kg/ha as reference treatment and a control (no compost, no fertilizer), all arranged in a randomized complete design. The results showed that the composts significantly increased (P<0.05) all the maize yield components measured for the two cropping seasons. The PM/SD and PM/SR produced a higher grain yield of 3326 and 3218 kg/ha, respectively, for the first cropping season and 1603 and 2423 kg/ha, respectively, for the second season compared to the cowdung-based com...

SOIL samples collected from five newly reclaimed areas;
(namely; Al-Hamoul, Bern-Suer, Maryuit. AI-Arish and Al-Salhia) were intensively cropped with alfalfa in a greenhouse experiment for twelve months. The obtained results show that the highest rates of K uptake are found in the alluvial soils (I,e, AI- Hamoul and Beni-Suef) and the lowest in AI-Arish sandy loam soils. The contribution of non-exchangeable-K to plant uptake is about 44% for alluvial soils and 20% for sandy soils. The amounts of the non-exehangeable-K, which recovered during the latter periods of intensive cropping. are significant.
ly correlated to the K-hearing minerals content. (for mica,
r = 0.960**. and for K-feldspars, r = 0.922••).
The biological essay reveals also that AI-Salhia and AIArish
soils show good response. while the alluvial ones have weak response to K-fertilization. The field survey shows highly Significant correlations between available-K and plant-K in each of the studied soils. The fertility significance of the best fitting curves of this relation is discussed in relation to the future susceptibility of potassium in the newly reclaimed soils of
Egypt.

Soils contain enormous numbers of diverse living organisms assembled in complex and varied communities. Microscopic examination of a soil sample reveals the presence of billions of organisms like nematodes, protozoa, fungi, algae, actinomycetes, bacteria and cyanobacteria. These diverse organisms interact in the ecosystem, forming a complex web of biological activity. Environmental factors, such as temperature, moisture and acidity, as well as human activities such as agricultural and forestry management practices, affect soil biological communities and their functions. Soil biology is an interesting area of soil research and has yielded considerable information that is used in soil fertility management.

The aim of this paper is to compute the macronutrients mining by crops (output of nitrogen N, phosphorus P, and potassium K) and the addition through organic manure (input of N, P, K), in the barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivation in a small, family managed farm, located in Hemis Shupkachan village, central Leh district. Moreover, a static balance is computed by measuring the difference between macronutrients contained in the manure spread on the fields, and in the crops harvested, without quantifying soil nutrient stock or the contributions from the rotation of crops. The evaluation is done at small farm level, < 1 hectare, because the majority of the District’s farmers, 62%, belong in this category. However results could lead to wider considerations regarding the importance of the traditional soil fertility practices in Ladakh.

With increased pressure on cropping land, traditional soil fertility regeneration
has become less effective. Farmers with no alternatives would therefore
be compelled to cultivate on marginal lands, highly risking crop failure and
food security. Soil fertility can be improved by employing Agroforestry principles
of incorporating organic inputs into the soil. This study investigated the
effects of leaf mulch of Gliricidia sepium, Senna siamea and Leucaena leucocephala
and their combination with inorganic fertilizer on maize (Zea mays L)
growth and yield. The study was conducted in a randomized completely
block design at the Faculty of Renewable Natural Resource farm, KNUSTGhana.
Fresh leaf biomass at 5 t ha‐1 weight was incorporated into the soil
and compared with the addition of inorganic fertilizer at 0, 30 and 60 kg N ha
‐1 levels. Soil laboratory analysis showed that the mineral content of the leaf
biomass varied with L. leucocephala having the highest N content and S. siamea
having the lowest N content. The addition of the different levels of the
inorganic fertilizer to the leaf biomass significantly influenced the yield of
maize. Combining leaf biomass of S. siamea, G. sepium and L. leucocephala
with inorganic fertilizer significantly increased maize yield and can be recommended
for improving maize and other crop production.

Most studies undertaken in the field of agroforestry have focussed on system design, soil fertility management, and system interactions. Less emphasis has been placed on biodiversity aspects. The aim of this study is to investigate the potential of indigenous, multistrata agroforests for maintaining native woody species diversity in the southeastern Rift Valley escarpment, Ethiopia. A total of 60 farms, representing three agroforest types (enset-AF, enset-coffee-AF and fruit-coffee-AF), were randomly selected along altitudinal gradients. Enset (Ensete ventricosum) is a perennial, herbaceous monocarpic banana-like plant which serves as a food plant in Ethiopia. The three agroforests are results of the domestication of natural forests and intensification of the landuse systems centuries ago. Sample-based assessment protocols were employed to place sample quadrats and to measure all individuals in the quadrats. A total of 58 woody species, belonging to 49 genera and 30 families, was recorded. Of all woody species identified, 86% were native. The highest proportion of native woody species was recorded in enset-AF (92%), followed by enset-coffee-AF (89%) and fruit-coffee-AF (82%). Among native tree species, Millettia ferruginea and Cordia africana were the most widespread. In all, 22 native woody species were recorded as of interest for conservation, acccording to IUCN Red lists and local criteria. Among them, Pygeum africanum and Rhus glutinosa were categorised as vulnerable in the wild, and in need of conservation priority. The introduction of non-native fruit trees in agroforests can be a threat to maintenance of native woody species. Management strategies favoring enset and coffee will also put other native tree species at risk. A smaller number of native woody species was recorded in fruitcoffee-AF, but a higher mean basal area and stem number. The mean basal area and stem number ranged from 5.4 ± 0.5 to 11.7 ± 1.0 m 2 ha-1 and 625 ± 84 to 1,505 ± 142 stems ha-1 , respectively. Altitude explained 68 and 71% of the variation in species richness and abundance, respectively. Finally, it is concluded that recognition of the indigenous agroforestry system as an option for maintaining native woody species should be given more attention, to counteract the local threat of these species from the wild.

Background and Objective: Unproductive soil has been a major problem to farmers, recent interest in the use of a stable organic manure (biochar) as soil amendment and poultry manure to increase soil fertility is also increasing. Hence, the experiment was conducted to assess the condition of poultry manure and biochar on the growth and yield of tomato. Materials and Methods: A greenhouse experiment was conducted at the Federal College of Forestry Ibadan, using polyethylene bag with 5 kg soil collected at two (2) soils depths, 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm depth at the botanical garden, Federal College of Forestry Ibadan. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design (CRD) with four replicates. The treatments used were poultry manure (5t/ha), biochar (10t/ha), mixture of poultry manure and biochar (1:1) and control (no amendment).The tomato seeds (UC82B) were sourced from NIHORT, Ibadan and raised in a germination basket. Data were collected weekly on plant height, collar diameter and number of leaves, 50% days to flowering and yield of tomato plants from two weeks after transplanting (WAT). Data collected were analyzed statistically using ANOVA while means were separated using LSD (p<0.05) where applicable. Results: In 0-15 cm soil, the growth variables (plant height, number of leaves and collar diameter) increased with various treatments used. The highest tomato height was observed with the application of biochar (10t/ha). All the treatments applied affected the number of tomato leaves at all weeks after transplanting (WAT) with poultry manure 5t/ha having the highest number of leaves at 7WAT, while collar diameter was significantly affected by various treatments from 2 to 5 WAT, with the mixture of P.M + BIO (1:1) recording the highest value and the control plot recorded the least values in all weeks. However, in 15-30 cm soil, there was  significant difference in the number of leaves of tomato among all the amended soil from 5 to 7 WAT, the highest tomato leaves were obtained when the soil was amended with poultry manure (5t/ha) and can be compared with other treatments. Interaction of poultry manure and biochar(1:1) and poultry manure 5 t/ha resulted in highest height of tomato plant from 3-7 WAT as compared to the control that had the least value but were not significantly different from the sole application of  biochar 10t/ha. Interaction of poultry manure + biochar (1:1) and poultry manure (5t/ha) gave the highest tomato flowering and fruits. Conclusion: Based on this result, biochar and poultry manure when added to soil, boosted the mineralization of the soil after amendment.

technologies along soil fertility gradients, relying on local indicators to differentiate those that may be managed through 'maintenance fertilization' from fields that are highly-responsive to fertilizers and fields that require rehabilitation before yields can improved. Where human population pressure on the land is less intense, farm and field types are harder to discern, without clear patterns. Nutrient cycling through livestock is in principle not efficient for increasing food production due to increased nutrient losses, but is attractive for farmers due to the multiple functions of livestock. We identified trade-offs between income generation, soil conservation and community agreements through optimising concurrent objectives at farm and village levels. These examples show that future analyses must focus at farm and farming system level and not at the level of individual fields to achieve appropriate targeting of technologies -both between locations and between farms at any given location. The approach for integrated assessment described here can be used ex ante to explore the potential of best-fit technologies and the ways they can be best combined at farm level. The dynamic and integrated nature of the framework allows the impact of changes in external drivers such as climate change or development policy to be analysed. Fundamental questions for integrated analysis relate to the site-specific knowledge and the simplification of processes required to integrate and move from one level to the next.

ABStRACt The performance was evaluated during April to November, 2012 of the deep placement of NPK fertilizer briquettes compared with broadcast incorporation of N, P, and K, with each treatment supplying S, Zn and B fertilizers as a blanket dose, for vegetables like cucumber, taro and bitter gourd. The experiments were conducted under on-station and on-farm conditions in three locations in Bangladesh: at Jessore for cucumber, at Patuakhali for bitter gourd and for taro at Mymensingh (only on-farm) and at Jessore (only on-station). Six treatments were designed to evaluate the crop responses to: the broadcast incorporation of N, P, and K applied as prilled urea (PU), triple super phosphate (TSP), and muriate of potash (MOP); deep placement of urea briquettes and NPK briquettes; native fertility; and general farmer practice. The size of the NPK briquettes and the urea briquettes was 3.4 g and 1.8 g, respectively. The results showed that deep placement of the NPK briquettes gave higher vegetable yields (28.8% for cucumber, 25.6% for taro and 10.8% for bitter gourd) and higher gross margins over broadcast incorporation of N, P, and K. The amount of NPK nutrient uptake and recovery by all three vegetable crops was also higher in the NPK briquette treatment compared to the broadcast treatment with PU, TSP and MOP.

Onion is an important cash crop for smallholder farmers in the Central Rift Valley Region of Ethiopia. A survey was conducted during the off-season of 2011 to document nutrient management and post-harvest handling practices in onion production in four districts (Adama, Merti, Dugda Bora and Adamitulu-Jiddokombolcha) in the region. Data were collected from 128 farmers using a standard questionnaire and focus group discussions. The results revealed that all of the sampled smallholder onion growing farmers used Diammonium phosphate (DAP) and urea whilst only 10.9% and 5.5% used farmyard manure (FYM) and compost, respectively. The growers on average used 298.8 kg ha-1 Urea and 299.21 kg DAP ha-1. Only small amounts of farmyard manure (1.71 t ha-1) and compost (1.56 t ha-1) were applied by the onion growers. The data also showed that farmers did not practise curing and storing of onion bulbs, and sold the produce on the field during harvest at farm-gate prices. In conclusion, the results of the study revealed that farmers in the region produce onions with application of higher rates of inorganic mineral NP fertilizers than the rates commonly recommended by the research system. The results also showed that the farmers did not subject harvested onion bulbs to any post-harvest management practices for enhancing shelf-life and marketability of the crop.

utiliza la solución de Olsen modificada como extractante para la determinación de fósforo (P) disponible en el suelo. Este procedimiento no siempre funciona adecuadamente cuando se utiliza en suelos de origen volcánico (Andisoles) cultivados con papa. El presente trabajo se realizó en dos fases: campo y laboratorio. En campo se estudió el efecto de dosis de P en el rendimiento de papa y el contenido de P en el suelo en cuatro localidades, representativas de la zona papera de la sierra, por tres ciclos consecutivos. En la fase de laboratorio, se extrajo el P disponible utilizando los métodos Olsen Modificado, Bray P1 y Mehlich 3 y estos resultados se correlacionaron y calibraron con el rendimiento relativo utilizando Modelos Discontinuos. En los suelos de Cochabamba, Santa Ana y Chaupi, los extractantes Olsen Modificado y Mehlich 3 reportaron coeficientes de correlación altos (r>0.8) entre el P extraído y el rendimiento relativo de papa. En Quinua Corral se encontró correlación solo con Mehlich 3, sin embargo, el coeficiente de correlación fue bajo (0.64). Por otro lado, Bray P1 presentó correlaciones bajas para todas las localidades. El nivel crítico de P para el cultivo de papa fue diferente según el método de extracción. Se encontró que Olsen Modificado y Mehlich 3 son los mejores métodos de extracción de P para la generalidad de los suelos volcánicos cultivados con papa.

An experimental trial was carried out at the University of Mauritius Farm to assess the growth and yield of groundnut (Arachis hypogea var. cabri) subjected to different irrigation methods and N:P:Kfertilizer regimes. The leguminous crops were irrigated using drip and micro-sprinkler irrigation systems while the control treatment was performed under rain-fed conditions. The plants were also fertilized with 16:22:22 N:P:Kfertilizer at rates 0, 120, 240, 360 kg/ha over a four-month crop cycle. The experiment was conducted on a low humiclatosol soil with a silt loam texture having pH 6.73 and electrical conductivity 0.388 mS/cm. The main treatment was based on the different irrigation methods which were monitored using a tensiometer and the sub treatments were fertilizer regimes randomly applied at mentioned doses. Statistical analysis revealed an increasing yield of groundnut with increasing doses of N:P:K fertilizer application of 0-360 kg/ha , ranging from 1573 kg/ha to 3837 kg/ha for drip irrigation treatment, 1006 kg/ha to 2768 kg/ha when irrigated using sprinkler system and 0 kg/ha to 126 kg/ha under rainfed conditions. Limited water availability under rain fed condition led to a water deficit condition whereby a decrease in germination rate, plant height, leaf area, leaf number were noted and hence yield declined (126 kg/ha). Although treatments using micro-sprinkler irrigation produced lower yield compared to drip system, the study showed that the kernel and pod sizes of groundnuts were greater than those under drip irrigation system. Hence, considering water scarcity for agricultural use and environmental impacts of fertilizer overuse, the most efficient irrigation system as well as the optimum fertilizer regime must be considered.

Many small-scale farms and several tea estates have started tea plantation in the north-eastern parts of Panchagarh District due to favorable soil and climate. But the conventional approach of tea cultivation using agro-chemicals is negatively affecting soil natural fertility; such tea plantation has resulted in significant soil degradation. The productivity has declined and expansion of the industry has threatened by poor conventional management practices. Excessive and unbalanced use of agro-chemicals has led to increase production costs but decline in farm productivity. Thus, there is growing emphasis in the region for ecological and or sustainable approach in tea cultivation to replace the conventional approach. Now soil management in tea gardens by ecological approach is preferred in these areas. Farm scale integrated natural resource management could be a potential solution for tea soil management, while organic sources may reduce the dependency on chemical fertilizers. It is evident from the estimation of fertilizers in this study that chemical fertilizers should be avoided and/or minimized by adoption of integrated natural resource management based on organic sources such as poultry manure, cowdung, farm yard manure and compost. The chemical fertilizer requirements for young tea plants might be avoided by use of poultry manure as they require comparatively low total amount of N and P, while the chemical fertilizer requirements for mature tea can be avoided or minimized by the use of cow dung; almost 50% of N requirement and total amounts of P and K requirements might be possible to meet up. Thus, farm scale resource use efficiency and farm profitability will be sustainable for tea growers in Panchagarh District.

A field experiment was conducted on acidic nitisols of Wolmera District in two locations at 2017 cropping season to determine the response of barley for the combined application of lime and different phosphorus fertilizers. Several barley growth performances, yield, and plant samples were collected with soil samples to determine soil acidity attributes and nutrient use efficiency. Barley grain yield and growth performances were significantly (P<0.05) affected by the application of different phosphorus sources. The highest grain yield was recorded from NPSB phosphorus fertilizer source in both experimental sites followed by partly acidulated rock phosphate (PARP) with yield improvement of 89 and 52%, over the control treatment respectively. Growth parameters like plant height, spike length, number of tillers, etc., and physical grain quality data (hectoliter weight and thousand seed weight) were significantly affected by all phosphorus sources. The combination of phosphorus fertilizer (NPSB at 69 kg P 2 O 5 ha-1) with lime got a higher grain yield advantage over other treatments. The highest phosphorus concentration in the plant parts was recorded from the fertilizer source of NPSB. This was due to its immediate availability to the plant uptake compared to other sources. The use of partly acidulated rock phosphate or organic hyper-phosphate (MOHP) fertilizer, as an alternative for NPSB application provides a competitive yield advantage for acidic soils of Wolmera area or other similar soil type and agroecology of the country.

A B S T R A C T Late 18th century agriculture was under social and economic pressures, emanating from unprecedented population growth and establishing world markets. Farmers met these challenges successfully and largely without external energy subsidies and mineral fertilizers. Our research asks (1) if and how performance gains were achieved by improving traditional nutrient management through advanced, organic farming and (2) whether this early agrarian intensification compromised the natural capital of agro-ecosystems. We present a long-term socio-ecological perspective on nutrient cycling in the historical agro-ecosystem of the estate Bruck in eastern Austria, from 1787 to 1906. Focal point is the development of different patterns in nutrient cycling, tracing the transition from traditional, organic to industrial farming. We used nutrient balances and input-output analysis for a quantitative assessment of nitrogen and phosphorus flows. To investigate the correlation between growing system performance and improved internal nutrient cycling, we applied the Finn cycling index (FCI), which represents the fraction of nutrients recycled on-farm before leaving the system. Improving nutrient cycling entailed the operational integration of livestock, the utilization of ecological nutrient replenishment processes through legume intercropping and optimizing nutrient transfers from extensive land-use systems. Nitrogen recycling grew steadily from 20% in 1787 to 36% in 1906. Phosphorus recycled on farm grew accordingly from 33% in 1787 to 46% in 1840, before dropping to 31% in 1906 due to increased application of mineral fertilizers. We show, that cereal yields more than doubled through improved traditional nutrient management. In the long-run, however, advanced organic farming induced an unsustainable use of phosphorus and the loss of ecological buffer capacity from traditional mixed land-use systems.

The present experiment was carried out during the 2010 planting season, at
the Teaching and Research Farms, School of Agriculture, Lagos State Polytechnic,
Ikorodu, Lagos State with the view to produce liquid fertilizer from
water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipies) and compare its effectiveness with
poultry manure on the performance and yield of fluted pumpkin (Telfairia
occidentalis). Data on number of leaves and length of main vine 2 weeks
before fertilizer application (BFA) and 3, 6 and 9 weeks after fertilizer application
(WAFA) and the yield at harvesting were collected and subjected to
Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and means compared using Least Significance
Difference (LSD). The results showed that at 3 WAFA, water hyacinth had the
highest number of leaves (245) and longest length main vine (2.04 cm) and in
terms of yield at harvesting, water hyacinth (16.08 kg) was not significantly
different (P>0.05) compared to poultry manure (18.13 kg) application. From
the study it can be concluded that water hyacinth liquid fertilizer can be utilized
as good source of organic fertilizer for the growth of fluted pumpkin and
thus serve as veritable means of curbing the menace of water hyacinth on
our water ways.

THIS IS NATURE SIGNALING THE END OF DUALITY 
THIS IS HUGE - CHANGE THE ENTIRETY OF CREATION - NO DUALITY ANYWHERE.
IT IS VERY CLEARLY A PREDETERMINED ADVANCEMENT OF HUMAN CONSCIOUSNESS - THIS BUBBLE IS TOO WELL DESIGNED - EUPHORIA CANCELS KARMA

This paper examines the implications of declining soil fertility for the maize-based cropping systems in southern and eastern Africa. A review of the importance of maize in the region is followed by a description of the economic and agronomic circumstances of smallholders who produce maize. Next, the paper examines technologies currently available for enhancing soil fertility, including technologies for increasing inorganic/organic fertilizer use and fertilizer-use efficiency and the development of maize genotypes that perform well despite low soil fertility. Ways of facilitating farmers' adoption of better soil fertility management practices are described, based on examples drawn from recent research, particularly in southern Africa. A new model for soil fertility research and extension is proposed. The model features the use of organic as well as inorganic sources of nutrients and actively involves farmers and others in an integrated, long-term process for improving soil fertility in southern and eastern Africa.

T anah marginal atau "suboptimal" merupakan tanah yang potensial untuk pertanian, baik untuk tanaman pangan, tanaman perkebunan maupun tanaman hutan. Secara alami, kesuburan tanah marginal tergolong rendah. Hal ini ditunjukkan oleh reaksi tanah yang masam, cadangan hara rendah, basa-basa dapat tukar dan kejenuhan basa rendah, sedangkan kejenuhan aluminium tinggi sampai sangat tinggi. Namun, Krantz (1958) mengemukakan bahwa penilaian produktivitas suatu lahan bukan hanya berdasarkan kesuburan alami (natural fertility), tetapi juga respons tanah dan tanaman terhadap aplikasi teknologi pengelolaan lahan yang diterapkan. Melalui perbaikan teknologi pengelolaan ABSTRAK Tanah marginal atau "suboptimal" memiliki potensi untuk pengembangan pertanian, baik tanaman pangan, perkebunan, maupun tanaman hutan. Secara alami, tanah ini mempunyai kesuburan yang rendah dan peka terhadap erosi. Di Kalimantan, tanah marginal diperkirakan menempati areal seluas 30,15 juta ha atau 57,22% dari luas pulau, dengan jenis tanah utama terdiri atas Ultisols, sedikit Oxisols, dan Inceptisols. Tanah marginal dari batuan sedimen masam memiliki karakteristik fisik yang sangat ditentukan oleh jenis bahan induk tanah (batu pasir atau batu liat). Sifat kimia tanahnya menunjukkan sifat yang sama, yaitu reaksi tanah masam, bahan organik bervariasi, serta nilai kapasitas tukar kation, basa-basa dapat tukar, kejenuhan basa, cadangan hara, dan status hara P dan K rendah, tetapi memiliki kejenuhan aluminium (Al) tinggi. Pengembangannya untuk pertanian, selain perlu memerhatikan sifat fisik dan kimia tanahnya, juga perlu mempertimbangkan kondisi reliefnya. Wilayah dengan relief datar hingga berombak dapat dimanfaatkan untuk tanaman pangan semusim, sedangkan tanaman tahunan atau perkebunan dan hutan tanaman industri dapat dikembangkan hingga relief berbukit. Teknologi pengelolaan lahan seperti pemupukan untuk memperbaiki kandungan hara tanah, pengapuran untuk meningkatkan pH tanah dan menurunkan reaktivitas Al, serta tindakan konservasi tanah sangat disarankan. Dewasa ini, tanah marginal banyak dimanfaatkan untuk tanaman perkebunan, seperti kelapa sawit, karet, lada, dan hutan tanaman industri, dan hanya sebagian kecil untuk tanaman pangan.

The soil fertility largely depends on the nature and the quantity of trace elements. Application of chemical fertilizers to increase the food production slowly robs the soil nutrients, harm the soil fauna and microbes and cause side effects to consumers. Gunapaselam is prepared from fish waste by fermentation. The aim of the present study is to assess the level of trace elements, microbial population and the growth characteristics of Vigna radiata, green gram after applying Gunapaselam. The soil was amended with either chemical fertilizer (25kg N 2 : 50kg P 2 O 5 : 25kg K 2 O: 20kg S/ha) or Gunapaselam (1:100 diluted) on alternative days. The soil was analyzed for trace elements Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Manganese (Mn), Boron (B), Nickel (Ni) before and after applying Gunapaselam. Amendment of Gunapaselam to soil has improved the quantity of trace elements, macro nutrients and plant growth promoting microbial status of soil. Spearman rank correlation test reveals positive correlation with the growth traits and formation of number of nodules. The results suggested that the addition of Gunapaselam may be considered as a novel liquid biofertilizer as it promotes growth and increase nodulation probably by enriching the soil with trace elements and microbial community.

Field experiments were conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria in 2007 and 2008 to determine the effects of phosphorus fertilizer application on performance of intercropped maize and soybean. The experiments, arranged as a split plot in a randomized complete block design, replicated four times. A cropping system with sole maize, sole soybean and maize/soybean intercrop formed the main plot treatments while P rates with 0, 15 and 30 kg P2O5 ha−1 were the subplot treatments. For both years, neither P fertilizer application nor cropping systems had a significant effect on maize grain yield. However, soybean grain yield was significantly higher (92.3% in 2007 and 44.5% in 2008) under sole cropping than under maize/soybean intercropping. On average, N fixed by soybean increased with the increase in P rate (from 51.8% without P to 60.5% with 30 P), but there was no significant difference in N fixed by sole soybean and soybean/maize intercrop. However, the interaction effect on N fixed between cropping systems and P rates was significant (P ≤ 0.05). N, P and K contents in maize grain were significantly higher (>100%) in intercropped maize than in sole maize. The cropping systems had no significant effect on post-harvest soil chemical characteristics. The land equivalent ratio was 1.52 in 2007 and 1.78 in 2008. The result shows that in utilizing legumes for N enrichment, the alleviation of P deficiency can enhance N2-fixation by legumes. Furthermore, P replenishment in a maize/soybean intercrop may improve maize grain quality even though yield is not increased.

Table of Contents: •Overview by Gerald C. Nelson •Agricultural Science and Technology Needs for Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation by Rudy Rabbinge •Reducing Methane Emissions from Irrigated Rice by Reiner Wassmann, Yasukazu Hosen, and Kay Sumfleth •Direct and Indirect Mitigation Through Tree and Soil Management by Brent M. Swallow and Meine van Noordwijk •The Potential for Soil Carbon Sequestration by

EL GRAN RETO DEL AGRICULTOR


PRESENTACIÓN


La agricultura moderna, precisa de cambios sustanciales y profundos, ideas creativas que permitan una producción acorde con las realidades de nuestro país. No necesariamente debe existir una incompatibilidad entre la tecnología que se usa con el medio ambiente, para poder entregar alimentos saludables en las cantidades y calidades que el mundo los necesita.

El objetivo del presente manual de información técnica, es demostrar a los profesionales, agricultores y estudiantes, que para el nuevo milenio, con tecnologías desarrolladas en nuestro medio se pueden producir cosechas con altos rendimientos, cuidando el suelo, el medio ambiente y por supuesto la salud integral de los consumidores, al entregárseles alimentos sanos, nutritivos y de la mejor calidad posible.

Con el paso de los años, la buena costumbre de preguntar e investigar, permite desarrollar nuevas y mejores tecnologías, para un mundo exigente y cambiante.  El saber por qué, cómo funcionan las cosas nos ayuda a eliminar las pérdidas de tiempo, energía y materiales, recordándonos que siempre: debe existir una mejor manera de hacerlo.

Esperando que el presente manual se convierta en un texto de consulta para quienes están vinculados directa o indirectamente con las actividades agropecuarias, aspirando a recibir de todos ustedes los respectivos comentarios, los mismos que permitirán aún más el mejorar y desarrollar esta nueva tecnología que es la: Fertilización Bioquímica, la que consiste en el desplazamiento de los iones (aniones y cationes) disponibles en forma de radicales de las distintas sales orgánicas e inorgánicas asimilables para la correcta nutrición de las plantas.


Atentamente:

• Diego F. Granja Ruales M.h.Sc.
Investigación & Desarrollo
FERBIOHUX DEL ECUADOR S.A.
07-1986 / 01 - 2015

A trial was carried out in 2010 rainy season to study the effects of different levels of poultry manure (PM)
at the rates of 0, 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0 ton/ ha-1 on growth and yield of Capsicum annum, in Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria.
Pepper growth and fruit yield were assessed and subjected to Analysis of Variance. The growth parameters such as
plant height, leaf area and number of leaves showed increasing response to all the treatments as the rates increased.
The study revealed that growth and yield of pepper fruit in the south western Nigeria could significantly (P<0.05) be
improved by the application of PM at 3.0 tons/ ha-1.

1 Effective January 2007, the Discussion Paper series within each division and the Director General's Office of IFPRI were merged into one IFPRI-wide Discussion Paper series. The new series begins with number 00689, reflecting the prior publication of 688 discussion papers within the dispersed series. The earlier series are available on IFPRI's website at www.ifpri.org/pubs/otherpubs.htm#dp.

Slash-and-burn (SB) agriculture degrades soil and reduces fertility, but provides most of the food produced in tropical Africa. Soil biota can be manipulated to enhance soil nutrient availability and fertility, and to improve plant tolerance to stress and diseases. The potential of beneficial micro-organisms (BM) such as mycorrhizal fungi (MF), legume-nodulating bacteria (LNB), phosphorous-solubilizing micro-organisms (PSM), and bio-control agents for

Legumes play an important role in farming systems in East Africa. Legumes are not only a source of food and fodder but also play a key role in improving soil fertility. As a result of the increasing pressure on land, the traditional fallow periods needed for land regeneration have shortened. Similarly, most farmers in the region do not use fertilizer. As a result of this, the soil fertility is low and declining. Whereas the nutrient defi ciencies can be resolved by use of inorganic fertilizers, most smallholder farmers are poor hence cannot afford to purchase fertilizers. In other instances fertilizer is not accessible due to poor infrastructure. The use of farm yard manure on the other hand is limited since most farmers do not have livestock and where the manure is available, it is of poor quality. The growing of legumes which fi x nitrogen and improve other soil properties emerges as a potential solution to the soil fertility problem among the smallholder farmers. Research in the region has identifi ed a wide range of legumes that can be incorporated in the cropping systems. These include grain and herbaceous legumes

Sustainable livelihoods comprise complex interactions between diverse practices, facilitated by different capital use systems. Soil Fertility Management (SFM) is one such practice. Savanna farmers use organic and inorganic soil amendments. Although a strategy integrating both is most sustainable, compost use is limited by poor access to vehicles with which to carry it. This interdisciplinary study examines how SFM interacts with transport in northern Ghanaian maize smallholders' livelihoods. It asks how farmers could best transport compost and compares compost to fertiliser. It considers which of the five capitals described in the livelihoods framework facilitates the most appropriate SFM and transport strategies. Extending the livelihoods model, those capitals and their sources are linked to different development systems, based on capitalist, statist, participatory and traditional ideologies.

The effects of rubber plantation of different ages on the surface soil properties were compared with other land use types associated with rubber cultivation in the rubber research Institute of Nigeria. The rubber plantations are young rubber (0-8 years old), middle aged rubber (10-20 years old), old rubber (>25 years old), while the associated land use types are fallow/forest and arable farm. Soil samples collected at depths of 0-15 and 15-45 cm depths in three replicates were subjected to routine and microbial content analysis. The soils are predominantly sandy-loam textured in the surface layer in all the land use types. Soil acidity (pH) changes significantly from 4.30 in arable farm to 4.7 in young rubber plantations while organic carbon at 13.4 g/kg is significantly lower in arable cropping landuse than fallow/forest with 33.4 g/kg. The forest/fallow and old rubber landuse types are statistically similar on most parameters considered showing that rubber cultivation can be considered as 'planted fallow' and could be employed as a cheap and economically viable means of mitigating land degradation in the rubber belt of Nigeria.

There are about 130,000 hectares of land in South Africa that have been under black wattle plantation for a long time and whose soils have become more acidic than those from contiguous land without the tree. This incubation study investigated the effectiveness of lime, chicken manure and leaf litter ash to ameliorate the soil acidity. Lime and chicken manure were applied in pots at rates equivalent to 0, 5, 10 and 20 Mg ha À1 while ash was applied at 0, 3 and 5 Mg ha À1 . In comparison to the control, the application of all the three amendments caused significant increases in soil pH KCL (4.1-5.6) and reduced the exchangeable acidity. The liming effectiveness of the amendments varied with rate and type of amendment and were in the order: lime > chicken manure > ash. A similar trend was evident in the concentration of exchangeable bases (Ca, Mg and K) in the soil. The effectiveness of ash and chicken manure as liming material was 0.12 and 0.26 respectively compared to lime. The difference in liming effect between ash and chicken manure was related to their alkalinity concentration. It was concluded that both amendments have the potential to be used as liming materials and merit further field evaluation. Ó

Sensor based VRT liquid fertilizer application is a suitable way to apply the nutrients for soil management of various crops. Time and resources can be saved using this technology but due to the special characteristics of cereal and tree crops like paddy and oil palm, dedicated designs of VRT liquid fertilizer applicators are needed to fulfill the nutritional requirement of respective crops. The proposed design of VRT liquid fertilizer applicator involves soil fertility sensors, speed sensor, flow control valves, flow sensors and pressure sensor. Design considers the variable fertilizer flow compensation with change in forward speed of machine between 2.5-3.5 km/h. Also this design offers the transfer of data from electronic controller to the external computer for record and performance testing of machine by computing the lag times of flow control valves and application error of machine. Originally, the design is for tree crop; however, with a slight modification in controller’s program, this will also be suitable for cereal crops like paddy. To apply the fertilizer, three DC pumps of 6.89 bar pressure and 5 L/min flow rate were used in simulation with the flow lines of 6 mm internal diameter. Flow simulation revealed that the system was able to achieve the 0.06 L/s at 13.73 m/s velocity at nozzles 1 and 2 (full cone nozzles) while nozzles 3 and 4(flat fan nozzles) were delivering the same flow rate but at a little high velocity of 13.94 m/s. A comparatively uniform distribution of fertilizer application may be achieved using flat fan nozzles.

The Jóór (Dior) soils of Senegal's Peanut Basin are inherently low in organic matter, limiting yields of millet and other crops and threatening the food security of smallholders. Focus groups and interviews were conducted in eight villages to characterise the site-specific fertility management by farmers in the Peanut Basin. Results of the qualitative survey revealed that farmers base management decisions on a series of fertility indicators that include type, colour, and texture of soil, presence of vegetation, and productivity in previous years. In an effort to equalise fertility across the field, farmers amend areas they classify as less fertile with decomposed manure and household waste from the family sëntaare (traditional pile) orwith compost from managed piles. On-site measurements of soil in areas of fields amended with compost or sëntaare material revealed significant increases in peanut and millet growth over unamended areas, but little difference between the effects of compost and manure. Similarly, chemical analysis revealed increased effective cation exchange capacity (ECEC) and nutrient concentrations (K, Mg and Al) in soils amended with compost or manure. Similarities in the chemical characteristics of compost and sëntaare material suggest that development workers could emphasise improved pile management rather than promoting more labour-intensive composting.