Compost Research Articles

Cropping system-based fertilizer strategies for crop productivity and soil health under minimum tillage in grey terrace soil

A cropping system that is based on three or four crops is currently a widely favored option for augmenting crop productivity to address the escalating global food demand. However, the improper fertilizer management and undue tillage adversely impacts both the productivity of crops and the fertility of the soil. A research investigation was conducted on tillage and nutrient management within the mustard-mungbean-Transplanting aus (T.aus)-Transplanting aman (T.aman) cropping system to examine the impact of fertilizer packages and tillage techniques on the overall productivity of cropping systems, as well as the condition of the soil in grey terrace soil. The research included tillage techniques viz; minimum tillage (MT), conventional tillage (CT) and deep tillage (DT); while nutrient management; NM1: 100 % STB (Soil test based) following FRG (Fertilizer Recommendation Guide-2018), all from chemical fertilizer, NM2: 125 % of STB following FRG- 2018, all from chemical fertilizer, NM3: 100 % STB (80 % from chemical fertilizers and 20 % from cowdung), and NM4: Native fertility (no fertilization). A total of twelve treatments replicated three times following the factorial completely randomized design for three consecutive seasonal years (2018–19, 2019–20, and 2020–21). MT outperformed DT and CT in terms of crop yield, rice equivalent yield (REY), system productivity (SP), and production efficiency (PE). Moreover, NM3 exhibited enhanced performance in terms of agricultural productivity measures. Field capacity (FC), soil organic matter (OM), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN), and soil nutrients (N, P, K, S, Zn and B) observed an enhancement as a result of the implementation of tillage MT and nutrition package NM3. The investigation indicates that implementing minimum tillage (MT) coupled with an integrated plant nutrition system package (NM3) can assist in the improvement of soil and the enhancement of crop productivity.

The effect of local millet drink (Kunu) on the testis and epididymis of adult male wistar rats

Background: Kunu is a local beverage drink that finds its origin in the northern part of Nigeria. This study was aimed at determining the effect of the liquid drink on the epididymis, testes, sperm parameters, and hormonal assay. Methods: A total of sixteen rats were used for this study and the animals were separated into four groups of four rats each (A-D). The animals were then sacrificed and the testes and epididymis were harvested and fixed in 10% formal saline. Group A was fed only rat feed and water. Groups B, C, and D were fed 0.2 ml, 0.9 ml, and 2.5 ml of Kunu respectively orally using a metal cannula for 21 days. Findings: There was a significant increase (P<0.05) in the relative testicular weights of groups B, C, and D as compared with those of group A. There was a significant decrease (P<0.05) in sperm count in groups B, C, and D when compared to group A. There was an insignificant increase (P>0.05) in FSH in groups B, C, and D when compared to group A. The histopathological findings revealed that the group B rats of 0.2ml and group C rats of 0.9ml showed epididymal tissue with moderate accumulation of spermatozoa and testicular tubules with moderately enhanced spermatogenesis. The group D rats showed well-accumulated spermatozoa in the epididymal lumen and improved spermatogenesis in the testis as did group A. Conclusion: Kunu beverage may not be used as a natural male fertility booster since it does little to improve sperm count, motility, morphology, pH, and hormonal levels of FSH and testosterone.

ОТ ИССУШЕНИЯ ПОЧВЫ ДО ЛИКВИДАЦИИ ГОСУДАРСТВ

The article, based on an analysis of the phenomenon of the death of civilizations (states), shows that the identified signs of this phenomenon are observed in the modern era. But if previously the signs caused by a decrease in natural soil fertility due to disruption of the cycle of four forms of organic matter in agriculture were reduced to the drying out of the soil introduced into agricultural activity and the loss of biota, then today new signs are being added to these signs. These include floods, desertifica-tion, shallowing of rivers and lakes, pollution of the environment, including seas and oceans, with human waste, which threatens humanity with famine and world war for the remaining fertile lands.

Mechanical and biological methods of plant protection against agrophages in the context of the European Green Deal strategy

The intensive development of agriculture in Europe has caused that all European Union member states are currently increasingly expe¬riencing negative consequences such as depletion of natural resources, increased erosion and loss of natural soil fertility, increased importance of new diseases and pests, water shortages, reduced biomass production and decreased biodiversity of organisms. In the context of the common agricultural policy, as well as the need to limit the use of chemical protection of agricultural crops, agrotechnical and also mechanical and biological methods are gaining in importance. Mechanical methods of protecting plants against pests main¬ly consist in mechanical destruction of threats or preventing them from reaching plants in the field or agricultural products stored in storage. Biological methods, on the other hand, use viruses, microorganisms and macroorganisms to combat pests as an alternative to chemical plant protection. This publication presents available mechanical and biological methods that allow for minimizing the use of chemicals in agriculture.

ПОЛИТЭКОНОМИЯ – ОТ «КАПИТАЛА» ДО СОВРЕМЕННОСТИ

The article shows that the economic theory of the production of utilities and their distribution in society, originating in the works of Aristotle and formed into the science of “Political Economy” in the works of Petty, Kene and Smith, through Hegel’s dialectics and Liebig’s theory of mineral fertility, became an integral part of the doctrine of human society in the works of Marx and Engels. These works indicate that “the production of food is the very first condition of life ... for producers and all production in general.” Since that time, farming in the world has been carried out according to the recommendations of the teaching of «Agrochemistry», as a modern paradigm of agriculture, the basis of which is Liebig’s theory. Justifications are given for the fallacy of this theory, and the implementation of the paradigm leads to the degradation of the natural soil fertility of the land, the growth of unproductive costs in agriculture, the weakening of states and is the main reason for the growing threat of famine and the approach of the world to war for the remaining fertile lands.

SCIENTIFIC SUBSTANTIATION OF THE PRODUCTIVITY OF SOWING ALFALFA DEPENDING ON SOIL AND CLIMATIC CONDITIONS OF THE FOREST-STEPPE OF UKRAINE

The article presents a review of literature sources on the study of alfalfa productivity depending on the influence of sowing dates, mineral phosphorus-potassium nutrition, soil liming, pre-sowing seed treatment with bacterial preparations and modes of grass stand use when grown for fodder purposes. It was found that the change of photoperiod in the year of sowing was a signal in alfalfa plants to pass through the microstages of growth and development, which was determined by the length of daylight hours and sowing dates, regardless of hydrothermal resources. Observations showed that the crop reached the beginning of flowering phase (code 61-62 of the BBSN) at daylight hours of 14:53-16:12 h, while at 12:48 h it reached the budding phase (code 49 of the BBSN). Regardless of climate change, which has been observed for more than a decade, sowing alfalfa provided the highest productivity indicators with early spring sowing and long-term use of the grass stand. Over the three years of vegetation, its leaf mass yield averaged 47.03 t/ha, dry matter yield was 11.09 and 2.07 t/ha of crude protein, and gross and metabolizable energy were 204.72 and 104.52 GJ/ha, respectively. At the same time, with the recommended summer sowing date (20 July), the indicators decreased by 9.1, 11.5, 13.1, 12.2 and 11.7%, respectively. Analysing the agro-ecological resources of Ukraine, given the natural soil fertility, moisture, temperature and light conditions, they are quite favourable for the maximum realisation of the biological potential of the fodder productivity of sowing alfalfa within the yield of fodder units of 10-12 t/ha and 1.8-2.2 t/ha of digestible protein. Among the elements of intensifying the cultivation of seed alfalfa for the production of plant raw materials and harvesting of various types of fodder, fertilisation is the most effective factor influencing their quantity and quality. To calculate the amount of mineral fertiliser, we take into account the biological characteristics of the crop, its cyclical growth and development during the growing season, the method of sowing and the duration of grassland use. Regardless of the geographical origin of the seed alfalfa, for two years of using the grass stand and observing technological measures of cultivation (lime, phosphorus-potassium mineral fertilisers, seed inoculation), alfalfa provided the highest yield of crude protein of 5.83-5.97 t/ha when mowing the first mowing in the flowering phase, the second - at the beginning of flowering and the third in the budding phase. Mowing of three mowings of sowing alfalfa at the beginning of the flowering phase contributes to the effective use of the light regime of the growing season as the main factor in increasing productivity. Innovative technologies for growing seed alfalfa use growth-regulating agents of various origins, microfertilisers and biological seed treatment products to increase yields and dry matter quality for foliar feeding. The complex application of these preparations provides an increase in the yield of leaf mass by 16.6-18.2%. Thus, in the context of modern agricultural development, alfalfa is one of the components of reducing the anthropogenic load on the agro-ecological system and increasing the production of environmentally friendly high-protein feed and livestock products for the purpose of efficient use of hydrothermal resources and environmental protection.

Improving Soil Quality and Crop Yields Using Enhancing Sustainable Rice Straw Management Through Microbial Enzyme Treatments.

This study develops a model to raise public awareness about the consequences of burning rice straw after harvest, including environmental pollution, soil degradation, and increased CO2 emissions that contribute to the greenhouse effect. The distinctive feature of the research is the introduction of a post-harvest rice straw treatment process using microbial products capable of secreting cellulase enzymes, which can break down the cellulose in the straw. This process shortens the decomposition time and produces natural organic fertilizer, thus reducing cultivation costs by 60% and increasing crop yields by 20%. The experimental model was carried out in Cam My district, Dong Nai province, Vietnam, including 4 models: no microbial products; using Bio Decomposer; using NTT-01; and using NTT-02. Each experimental field had an area of 650 m². The results showed a significant reduction in straw decomposition time after 14 days of use of the products, with a decomposition rate of up to 80%, nearly twice as fast as without the products. This helps save time, produce natural organic fertilizers, reduce care costs, and increase rice yields, resulting in more income for local residents. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of microbial treatments in sustainable agriculture and their potential for a broader application in the management of agricultural waste.

Biochar-composting substantially reduces methane and air pollutant emissions from dairy manure

Dairy manure is one of the largest sources of methane (CH4) emissions and air pollution from agriculture. In a previous study, we showed that composting dairy manure with biochar substantially reduces CH4 emissions and could help the dairy industry meet climate goals. However, it remained unclear whether biochar could also mitigate the emission of air pollutants and odor during composting. Here, we conducted a full-scale composting study at a dairy farm and monitored the emission of greenhouse gases (CO2, CH4, N2O) and air pollutants (H2S, VOCs, NO x , NH3) from compost piles amended with or without biochar. We found that amending compost with biochar significantly reduced total CH4 emissions by 58% (±22%) and cut H2S, VOCs, and NO x emissions by 67% (±24%), 61% (±19%) and 70% (±22%), respectively. We attribute this reduction in emissions to improved oxygen diffusion from the porous biochar and the adsorption of gas precursors to the biochar surface. Interestingly, NO x fluxes from the composting dairy manure were much higher than the few values reported in the literature, suggesting that dairy manure could also be a significant source of NO x emissions. We estimate that biochar-composting of dairy manure would reduce the social cost of manure emissions from this farm by over $66 000 annually. Results from this study suggest that composting dairy manure with biochar, in addition to reducing CH4 emissions, may help to improve air quality and the health and wellbeing of rural communities, but further studies are needed to test the quantitative impacts.

Low haemoglobin in arduous seasons is associated with reduced chance of ovulation among women living in the Bolivian altiplano.

Female reproductive function flexibly responds to ecological variation in energy availability, but the roles of other ecologically limited resources, such as iron, remain poorly understood. This analysis investigates whether haemoglobin associates with investment in reproductive function in a rural natural fertility population living in the Bolivian altiplano. We conducted a cross-sectional secondary analysis of prospectively collected biomarker and sociodemographic data, comprising 152 menstrual cycles from 96 non-contracepting women living at 3800 m altitude. Multivariable multilevel models were used to investigate (i) whether haemoglobin concentration is associated with ecological variation in subsistence strategy and seasonal conditions, and (ii) whether haemoglobin concentration is associated with the occurrence of ovulation and/or the concentration of luteal progesterone, two biomarkers of current investment in reproduction. Haemoglobin concentrations were lower in arduous seasons among those women more dependent on traditional agropastoral subsistence strategies (β = -0.42, 95% CI: -0.80 to -0.04, P = 0.032). During more arduous seasons, a 1 standard deviation increase in haemoglobin was associated with an over 3-fold increase in the odds of ovulation after adjusting for body fat, breastfeeding status, and age (adjusted odds ratio = 3.27, 95% CI: 1.10 to 9.27, P = 0.033). When conditions are relatively harsh and may be expected to improve, low haemoglobin levels are associated with lower current investment in reproduction and reduced fecundity. These results support the role of iron, independent of energy stores, as a limiting resource in modulating reproductive trade-offs.

From Bonus to Onus: Taiwan’s Demographic Transition and Economic Development from 1950 to 2020

The driving force behind population change lies in fertility. Over the past 70 years, Taiwan has undergone a fertility transition, rapidly declining from a high peak of natural fertility levels to an ultralow rate. This transition has released a substantial labor force and lead to a significant shift in resource allocation, contributing to rapid economic development in the late 20th century. During the same period, Taiwan’s population aging has progressed faster than that of most countries worldwide. The dependency ratio has negatively impact economic development, making social security an important aspect of resource allocation. The changes in age structure have introduced the concepts of “demographic bonus” and “demographic onus”. As a vibrant economy with a population of over 23 million, Taiwan has enjoyed the demographic bonus for more than a quarter of a century but is now facing the challenges of an aging society and declining fertility rates towards demographic onus. This article examines demographic transitions, economic performance and development in Taiwan from 1950 to 2020, elaborating on the definition, criteria, and quantitative delineation of the demographic bonus and demographic onus. It utilized population and economic statistics for a comparative analysis of the historical evolution, current situation, and prospects of the bonus and onus periods in Taiwan, providing a comprehensive narrative of its historical and empirical developments. Finally, the study underscores the complexity of balancing economic growth with demographic sustainability, emphasizing the necessity for multiple policy adjustments to address the adverse effects of demographic transitions.

Water consumption of spring and winter wheat on chernozem soils of the Volgograd region

Scientific and practical research was carried out with the aim of establishing new approaches to the cultivation of durum varieties of spring wheat and winter wheat, the main task when starting the experiments was to obtain a wheat yield at the existing level, while offering alternatives to the classic mineral nutrition, which allows not only to obtain the planned harvest wheat but preserve the natural fertility of the soil. No less important is the fact that the experiment was carried out in a risky farming area. In this regard, it is necessary to know how the water consumption of winter and spring durum wheat develops. We used pre-sowing treatment of seed material with modern biofertilizers. But the root mass of durum wheat has a distinctive feature from the root mass of soft wheat. The root mass of durum wheat contains mycorrhiza, which interacts better with soil microflora. Together with biofertilizers, a more favorable water regime is created, which has a positive effect on yields. Along with zoned varieties, modern wheat varieties with higher plasticity and adaptability to arid conditions were studied. The experiment was carried out in 2020…2023. in the Volgograd region, on the peasant farm “Eliseev A.N” in the Mikhailovsky district, located in the southern black soil zone. The objects of testing in the experiment were varieties of durum spring wheat: Donskaya Elegiya, Krasnokutka 13 and winter durum wheat: Agat Donskoy and Aksinit with pre-sowing treatment with biofertilizers. The experiment showed that the lowest water consumption indicators were in the variants without seed treatment and they varied between varieties from 259.5 mm (Krasnokutka 13 variety) to 521.0 mm (Aksinit variety). The maximum values were observed in the variant with seed treatment with biofertilizer Gumi 20 and they amounted to 263.2 mm for the Krasnokutka 13 variety, and 265.7 mm for the Aksinit variety, respectively.

ЧЕЛОВЕЧЕСТВО: СМЫСЛ, ЧТО ДЕЛАТЬ

The article, based on the logic of Aristotle and Hegel, studies the path of humanity from savagery to its modern forms. It is shown that the formation of human communities was determined by methods of obtaining food, the highest form of which was agriculture. It was revealed that the development of communities was accompanied by crises, the cause of which was unrecognized by people in the methods of obtaining food. At the heart of the modern crisis of society lies the erroneous theory of mineral fertility, the application of which leads to the destruction of natural fertility, to famine and a worldwide war for the remnants of fertile land. The crisis can be overcome by replacing it with the naturally formed cycle of four forms of organic matter, discovered in the USSR.

Abatement effects of different soil amendments on continuous cropping of Codonopsis pilosula.

Codonopsis pilosula is widely sought-after in China as a substitute for the more expensive ginseng. Continuous cropping of C. pilosula supports a vibrant health-supplement industry but requires significant inputs of fertilizers which increase production costs and degrade the environment. Here, three environmentally-friendly natural fertilizers, including biochar, bacterial fertilizer, and vermicompost, were used at different concentrations (undiluted, diluted 10 times, diluted 50 times) to determine their efficacy in seed germination and growth physiology of C. pilosula in continuous cropping. The results showed that biochar, bacterial fertilizer, and vermicompost with different concentrations of leachate could all increase the germination rate, germination potential and germination index of C. pilosula seeds treated with inter-root soil leachate of continuous C. pilosula; increase the activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and peroxidase) in C. pilosula seedlings under the stress of inter-root soil leachate of continuous C. pilosula, reduce the over-accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and increase the resistance of C. pilosula seedlings. After transplanting, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity increased by an average of 16.1%. Peroxidase (POD) levels showed an average increase of 16.4%. Additionally, there was a significant reduction in the MDA content, with an average decrease of 50%, and the content of osmotic-regulating substances (free proline content and soluble protein content) exhibited a significant increase. In conclusion, biochar, bacterial manure, and vermicompost have the potential to overcome the challenges of extensive fertilizer use in continuous cropping of C. pilosula.

Sperm morphology: Evaluating its clinical relevance in contemporary fertility practice.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends reporting sperm morphology in a standard semen analysis. However, the clinical utility and prognostic value of morphology is often debated. We reviewed and summarized studies that assessed both the benefits and limitations of sperm morphology in the context of natural fertility, assisted reproductive technologies, and recurrent pregnancy loss. We additionally describe possible environmental and anatomical etiologies of teratozoospermia. Sperm morphology evaluation has continuously evolved since the release of the first WHO manual in 1980. Initially, several large studies reported significant inverse associations between fertility outcomes and teratozoospermia. Most recent studies, however, fail to show an association between sperm morphology and natural or assisted fertility outcomes. Sperm morphology analysis may have limited diagnostic and prognostic value. Providers should be aware of these limitations when counseling or managing infertile patients.

Anthropogenic changes of the agricultural production features of river valley-еscarpment soils in Martuni region, Sevan basin, RA

The article discusses the agro-production features of the river valley-escarpment soils of the Republic of Armenia, the negative changes occurring in the soils due to the impact of climate change and the anthropogenic factor, as well as a number of issues related to the ways of increasing soil fertility. According to the Research results, river valley-escarpment soils are in general, characterized by high natural fertility and are widely used in agricultural production as high-quality arable land. Meantime, significant changes in the agro-productive features of soils are observed as well. In order to efficiently use the land, increase and maintain the fertility, it is recommended that scientifically based complex agrotechnical measures in compliance with local conditions are applied.

Occurrence of Salmonella in the environment

Salmonella is one of the most common causes of foodborne diseases. Although it is an intestinal bacterium, it can function perfectly well in various environments outside the host’s organism. Salmonella infections in humans are transmitted mainly through food of animal or plant origin and pose a serious problem for public health and the economy. Salmonella is an etiological factor of diseases in farm and free-living animals, which are also the most common source of environmental contamination. Reptiles and amphibians represent an important and often underestimated reservoir of these bacteria. Even under unfavorable conditions, the pathogen can survive for years in feed or food processing facilities mainly because of its ability to form biofilm. Salmonella can colonize plants epiphytically and endophytically. After penetrating external tissues, it can be transferred through the internal transport system to various organs, including fruit and seeds. This process depends on the serovar of the bacteria and the species of the plant being infected. The ability of Salmonella to survive and proliferate in the soil depends on many interacting factors, such as soil type, humidity, pH, temperature, and indigenous flora. Enriching the soil with natural fertilizers increases the occurrence of the pathogen and significantly reduces its rate of decline. In the aquatic environment, as well, Salmonella can survive for months after direct contamination with human or animal faeces or indirect contamination with insufficiently treated sewage sludge or runoff from agricultural land. The main determinants of Salmonella survival are temperature, sunlight, and the presence of accompanying microflora. Contaminated water used in processing can also be an indirect cause of transmission of intestinal pathogens to food.

Agriculture: A Pathway to Create a Sustainable Economy

Agriculture has emerged as a critical sector for constructing a long-term economy that balances economic growth, social well-being, and environmental stewardship. This report examines the relationship between sustainable agricultural practices, economic development, and environmental protection in order to create a sustainable economy through agriculture. It emphasizes the critical significance of sustainable agriculture in generating economic prosperity. It explores how organic farming, agroecology, and precision agriculture improve production, maximize resource usage, and minimize input costs. These approaches not only promote agricultural output but also help to improve food security, farmer income, and rural livelihoods. It explains how sustainable agricultural techniques safeguard natural resources, soil fertility, water quality, and biodiversity. Sustainable agriculture guarantees long-term sustainability of agricultural systems by protecting the environment, mitigating the effects of climate change, and lowering the risk of environmental damage. It explores how sustainable agriculture fosters entrepreneurship, value chain development, and market connections, resulting in job creation, income production, and rural economic regeneration. It emphasizes the significance of supportive policies, financial access, and market-oriented initiatives in unlocking the economic potential of sustainable agriculture.
 
 Keywords: Sustainable Agriculture, Biodiversity, Value chain development, Agricultural ecology

RESEARCH ON THE MANAGEMENT OF THE MAIN CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF CHROMIC LUVISOLS FROM FARMS/HOUSEHOLDS AGRITOURISTIC IN DOLJ, IN THE PERIOD 1995-2021

The research addresses an original and complex topic concerning the evolution of the main chemical properties of the chromic luvisols in the southwestern part of Romania, in Dolj County, exploited under the specific cultivation conditions of agritourist farms. The novelty of this research consists in the multidisciplinary interpretation of the analyses on chemical properties and their influence on the quality and quantity of agricultural productions. In the second part, the main chemical properties of the chromic luvisols were analysed, both for the soil developed under woody vegetation, and both for the cultivated soils. Comparing the results of the analyses, we found that the natural fertility of the cultivated soil decreased considerably, which led to a significant deterioration of the main chemical properties, precisely due to cultivation. In the third part, a study was carried out on the presence and concentration of heavy metals in this type of soil, finding from the interpretation of the analyses that the values of all the studied elements fall below the alert threshold. he recommendation on the researched aspects is that in order to limit the degradation and even improve the main chemical properties of chromic luvisols, in the agritourism farms, an ecological agriculture must be practiced.

Optimalisasi Pengelolaan Sampah Organik Rumah Tangga Menggunakan Eco-Fermentor Kompatibel di Kelurahan Mendalo Indah

Household organic waste is the largest contributor to total waste production. One effort that can be made to overcome problems caused by waste is through processing waste into eco-enzymes. Eco-enzyme is a multi-purpose liquid that can be used as a house cleaner, as well as as an effective natural fertilizer and pesticide. To make it easier to make eco-enzyme, it can be done using an eco-fermenter using simple technology. The eco-fermenter is designed using a semi-adiabatic principle with a volume of 60 liters, a kind of closed system that allows anaerobic fermentation to occur. Service activities were carried out in Mendalo Indah Village. Implementation of activities in the form of socialization and direct practice of making eco-enzyme using an eco-fermenter. The results of the activity showed that there was an increase in residents' understanding about optimizing the use of organic waste into eco-enzymes by using an eco-fermenter.

Expert consensus on the role of supplementation in obstetrics and gynecology using modified delphi method

PurposeTo reach a consensus among obstetrics and gynecology experts on the effects of micronutrient supplementation on fertility and pregnancy to aid clinicians in decision-making and create a unified approach to managing micronutrient deficiencies in women, by performing a modified Delphi study.MethodsA three-round modified Delphi process was conducted among a Delphi panel of 38 Egyptian experts to define recommendations regarding the role of supplementation on fertility and pregnancy in women of reproductive age. A literature review was performed and supporting evidence was graded to help guide the recommendations based on available evidence.ResultsA total of 62 statements were developed for discussion and voting. Out of the 62 statements, 60 statements reached expert consensus. Statements were divided into two domains. The first domain discussed the role of supplementation in fertility: optimizing natural fertility, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI), unexplained infertility, and endometriosis, whereas the second domain was concerned with the role of supplementation in pregnancy during the prenatal, antenatal, and postnatal periods.ConclusionIn this work, a modified Delphi methodology was implemented to reach a consensus on the use of micronutrient supplementation in women of reproductive age. These recommendations can help clinicians in their practice, guide future research, and identify gaps in the market for the pharmaceutical industry. This clinical guidance can be extrapolated to similar communities.