Integrated Plant Nutrient Management in Sub-Saharan Africa. From Concept to Practice

This brief summarizes results of three recent studies that assessed whether Sub Saharan Africa (SSA) can be self-sufficient in cereals (maize, rice, wheat, sorghum, and millet) while minimizing GHG emission by 2050 under different scenarios of intensification on existing cereal area, as opposed to crop land area expansion. The results from three studies suggest that intensification of cereal production with sufficient and efficient use of fertilizers could lead to the lowest GHG emissions among the scenarios studied in future cereal productions in SSA. However, this requires excellent agronomy, including the use of well-adapted cultivars, proper planting densities, good nutrient management and crop protection against weeds, pests, and diseases. It should also be noted that intensification of cereal production may also have additional benefits, including improving the economic profitability for smallholders in SSA.

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Dose-response models to guide site-specific nutrient management and lessons for fertiliser trial design in sub-Saharan Africa

Experimental Agriculture ◽

10.1017/s0014479721000193 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-18

Author(s):

Gudeta W. Sileshi

Keyword(s):

Dose Response ◽

Trial Design ◽

Nutrient Management ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Yield Response ◽

Accurate Estimation ◽

Site Specific ◽

Response Models ◽

Nutrient Levels ◽

Sub Saharan

Summary Optimisation of fertiliser use and site-specific nutrient management are increasingly becoming critical because of the growing need to balance agricultural productivity with the growing demand for food and environmental concerns. Trials to determine responses of crops to fertilisers have been widely conducted in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) with increasing emphasis on the development of economically optimum rates (EORs). Computation of EORs depends on accurate estimation of both the optimum nutrient rate and the agronomic maximum yield response; however, estimation of nutrient-response parameters and EORs is beset by a number of problems. Therefore, the objectives of this paper were to (1) point out common problems in the development and use of nutrient dose-response models and (2) provide corrective measures to facilitate future trial design and data analysis. This review outlines the underlying assumptions, strengths and limitations of the various response functions in order to facilitate informed choices by practitioners. Using specific examples, it also shows that (1) the commonly used trial designs do not allow examination of interactions between two or more nutrients and (2) trial designs with ≤5 nutrient levels and wide spacing between the levels result in large uncertainty in dose-response parameters. The key recommendations emerging from the review are as follows: (1) factorial designs and response surface models should be used more widely to address interactions between nutrients; (2) a minimum of six carefully spaced nutrient levels should be used to correctly estimate dose-response parameters; and (3) when locating field trials, Reference Soil Groups and cropping history should be carefully considered to produce site-specific EORs.

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Integrated Nutrient Management in the Farming Systems of the Savannas of Northern Nigeria: What Future?

Outlook on Agriculture ◽

10.5367/000000005774378856 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 34 (3) ◽

pp. 197-202 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Jonas Nwankwo Chianu ◽

Hiroshi Tsujii

Keyword(s):

Soil Fertility ◽

Nutrient Management ◽

Farming Systems ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Northern Nigeria ◽

Integrated Nutrient Management ◽

Fertilizer Rate ◽

Dual Purpose ◽

Sub Saharan ◽

The Impact

Integrated nutrient management (INM) is being promoted in Sub-Saharan Africa. The authors examined INM practices among farmers in the savannas of northern Nigeria in the hope of making suggestions to improve the impact of INM practices on soil fertility. The results indicate that, although the various components of INM are available in the farming systems, only a partial integration is occurring with limited impact on soil fertility. The major constraints include: the harsh savanna environment, lack of supportive institutions and labour, high fertilizer prices and inadequate availability of organic manure. Strip cropping of improved sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) and dual-purpose cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) and integrated fertility management using neem foliage and half the recommended fertilizer rate have great potential. The study recommends more research, extension and policies to enhance the adoption and impact of INM practices.

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