Optimizing smallholder returns to fertilizer use: Bean, soybean and groundnut

Kaizzi, K. C. and Byalebeka, J. and Semalulu, O. and Alou, I. N. and Zimwanguyizza, W. and Nansamba, A. and Odama, E. and Musinguzi, P. and Ebanyat, P. and Hyuha, T. and Kasharu, A. K. and Wortmann, C. S. (2010) Optimizing smallholder returns to fertilizer use: Bean, soybean and groundnut. Field Crops Research, 127.

PDF - Published Version Restricted to ICRISAT researchers only

Abstract

Smallholder African farmers commonly lack the financial means to purchase enough fertilizer for application at the economical optimal rates (EOR), or the rates for maximization of net returns ha−1, to all of their land. Research was conducted for bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), soybean (Glycine max L.) and groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) to establish a basis for determining the combinations of crops, nutrients, and application rates to optimize net returns to fertilizer use and the benefit:cost ratio (BC) in Uganda. Yield response to nutrient application, EORs, and equations for estimating BC were determined. Eleven to 17 trials were conducted for each crop. Mean yields were increased by 92%, 111%, and 92% for N applied to bean, and P applied to soybean and groundnut, respectively, at 15 kg ha−1, with less yield responses for P applied to bean and K applied to soybean and groundnut. Mean yield peaked at 1.81, 1.92, and 1.71 Mg ha−1 for bean, soybean, and groundnut, respectively. Mean EOR varied with fertilizer cost relative to grain price (CP) and were 27–42 kg ha−1 N for bean, and 13–29 kg ha−1 P with higher rates for groundnut compared with bean. The greatest BC was for N applied to bean followed, in decreasing order, by P applied to soybean or groundnut, P applied to bean, and K applied to groundnut or soybean. Consideration of the six sets of crop–nutrient response functions developed enables optimization of smallholder investment in fertilizer by identifying the crop, nutrient, and application rate combinations that maximize net returns on investments in fertilizer use. This approach is applicable for smallholder crop production globally where farmers cannot purchase enough fertilizer to apply at EOR

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	The authors are grateful to the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), Government of Uganda, and USAID- INTSORMIL for funding the study. The excellent cooperation of participating farmers, field assistants, and village based facilitators was essential for good and efficient implementation of the many trials.
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Africa; Bean; Groundnut; Peanut; Soybean; Fertilizer; Soil Fertility; Uganda
Author Affiliation:	National Agricultural Research Laboratories(Uganda)
Subjects:	Plant Production Plant Protection
Divisions:	Groundnut Soyabean
Depositing User:	Mr Siva Shankar
Date Deposited:	19 Dec 2011 05:37
Last Modified:	19 Dec 2011 05:37
Official URL:	http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/03784...
URI:	http://eprints.icrisat.ac.in/id/eprint/2849

Actions (login required)

View Item