Bolivia fertilizer situation and recommendations

Frederick, M.T. and Smith, R.T. (1979) Bolivia fertilizer situation and recommendations. Other. International Fertilizer Development Center, Bolivia.

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Abstract

In Bolivia, only a few crops are fertilized, and low application rates are general despite low soil fertility and good yield responses from fertilizer. Potatoes in the altiplano and valleys and cotton and sugarcane in the lowlands account for the majority of the usage. The supply of fertilizer is very limited, and it and other agricultural inputs generally command premium prices. Prices as high as $.70/kg are charged. The purpose is to recommend a plan to help reduce the farmers' fertilizer costs. An IFDC team visited Bolivia in 1978 to determine the fertilizer supply and demand, crops, yields, infrastructure, soil characteristics, future production plans, and the fertilizer related resources available. Bolivia has the potential to become much more efficient in importing fertilizers and making them available to the small farmer. Reductions in import costs can be achieved by utilization of efficient purchasing plans and controls as has been demonstrated by the SNDC and the integrated cooperatives. Further savings through custom blending can be realized by importing bulk fertilizers. A six-phase approach is recommended; based on the importation of bagged high-analysis fertilizer materials and evolves into a mixed system of bulk handling, blending, and bagging with the capacity for utilizing indigenously produced materials in the future. Foreign exchange savings in excess of $35/t can be realized merely by bagging fertilizers in Bolivia. Cost estimates for a bulk blending and bagging facility are presented with a financial analysis. Capital requirements for a complete bulk-blend unit will be about $240,000. It is recommended that the initial plant be erected in Cochabamba with additional units to be added as fertilizer use increases

Item Type:	Monograph (Other)
Author Affiliation:	International Fertilizer Development Center
Subjects:	Soil Science and Microbiology > Soil Sciences
Divisions:	General
Depositing User:	Ms K Syamalamba
Date Deposited:	22 Oct 2012 06:24
Last Modified:	22 Oct 2012 06:24
URI:	http://eprints.icrisat.ac.in/id/eprint/8475

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