Value Cost Ratio Research Articles

Procena ekonomske održivosti mašine za mlevenje i prosejavanje Bambara oraha

A novel continuous process milling-sieving machine specially developed recently for processing Bambara nut to flour was assessed for economic viability in this study with multi-criteria cost-benefit analysis measures in order to advance its acceptance and commercialization. This involved determination and assessment of its payback period, accounting rate of return, net present value and benefit cost ratio using the prevailing economic indicators/market prices of materials in Abia State of Nigeria between January and December, 2020. The decision measures applied include that the payback period of this machine must be less than its expected useful life of ten years and its benefit cost ratio must be greater than one. In addition, the investment's rate of return must be greater than the upper limits of Nigerian banks' lending and fixed deposit interest rates in order to justify its possible funding from personal savings and bank credits. Results showed that this innovation is economically viable due to its payback period of 1.5years and benefit cost ratio of 1.69 are as desired. Also the 46.89% accounting rate of return of this machinery outweighed Nigerian banks maximum fixed deposits return of 17% and prime lending rate of 29%. Thus, adoption of this novel milling-sieving machine is recommended for Bambara flour production because of its positive economic potential.

Economic Analysis of Durum Wheat Production Under Nitrogen and Sulfur Fertilization in Southeast Ethiopia

Durum wheat is a preferred raw product for pasta making due to its gluten strength. Nitrogen and Sulphur are nutrients required both for yield and quality. A replicated field trial was conducted at two locations in 2011 in southeast Ethiopia to evaluate profitability of nitrogen and Sulphur fertilization in durum wheat. Net benefit, marginal rate of return, residual and value-cost ratio were the economic parameters used for evaluation.

Profitability of Gliricidia-Maize System in Selected Dryland Areas of Dodoma Region, Tanzania

Declining soil fertility and climatic extremes are among major problems for agricultural production in most dryland agro-ecologies of sub-Saharan Africa. In response, the agroforestry technology intercropping of Gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.)) and Maize (Zea mays L.) was developed to complement conventional soil fertility management technologies. However, diversified information on the profitability of Gliricidia-Maize intercropping system in dryland areas is scanty. Using data from the Gliricidia and maize models of the Next Generation version of the Agriculture Production Systems sIMulator (APSIM), this study estimates the profitability of the Gliricidia-Maize system relative to an unfertilized sole maize system. Results show significant heterogeneity in profitability indicators both in absolute and relative economic terms. Aggregated over a 20-year cycle, Gliricidia-Maize intercropping exhibited a higher Net Present Value (NPV = Tsh 19,238,798.43) and Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR = 4.27) than the unfertilized sole maize system. The NPV and BCR of the latter were Tsh 10,934,669.90 and 3.59, respectively. Moreover, the returns to labour per person day in the Gliricidia-Maize system was 1.5 times those of the unfertilized sole maize system. Sensitivity analysis revealed that the profitability of the Gliricidia-Maize system is more negatively affected by the decrease in output prices than the increase in input prices. A 30% decrease in the former leads to a decrease in NPV and BCR by 38% and 30%, respectively. Despite the higher initial costs of the agroforestry establishment, the 30% increase in input prices affects more disproportionally unfertilized sole maize than the Gliricidia-Maize system in absolute economic terms, i.e., 11.1% versus 8.8% decrease in NPV. In relative economic terms, an equal magnitude of change in input prices exerts the same effect on the unfertilized sole maize and the Gliricidia-maize systems. This result implies that the monetary benefits accrued after the first year of agroforestry establishment offset the initial investment costs. The Gliricidia-Maize intercropping technology therefore is profitable with time, and it can contribute to increased household income and food security. Helping farmers to overcome initial investment costs and manage agroforestry technologies well to generate additional benefits is critical for the successful scaling of the Gliricidia-Maize intercropping technology in dryland areas of Dodoma, Tanzania.

Effect of Different Approaches of Nutrient Application on Yield, Nutrient Uptake, Nutrient use Efficiency and Economics of Carrot

A field experiment was conducted during Kharif 2017 at Devanahalli village, Bengaluru rural district of Karnataka to evaluate the effect of different approaches of nutrient application on yield, nutrient uptake and use efficiency by carrot (Daucus carota L.). The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design replicated thrice with eight treatments comprisingT1 (STCR target 20 tha-1 through inorganics), T2 (STCR target 20 tha-1 through integrated), T3 (STCR target 25 tha-1 through inorganics), T4 (STCR target 25 tha-1 through integrated), T5 (RDF (75: 63: 50) N, P2O5, K2O kg ha-1+ FYM), T6 (LMH /STL + FYM), T7 (Farmers practice (92.6:159:0) N, P2O5 kg ha-1 + FYM), T8 (Absolute control).Results revealed that significantly higher root (27.51 t ha-1) and shoot (16.48 t ha-1) yield were recorded in STCR target of 25 t ha-1 through integrated approach. Similarly, higher total uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (297.07 kg, 57.48 kg and 253.81 kg ha-1, respectively) by carrot and the higher apparent recovery efficiency (0.35, 0.08 and 0.58 kg kg-1 of N, P2O5 and K2O, respectively) and agronomic nutrient use efficiency (26.10, 12.37 and 48.25 kg kg-1 of N, P2O5 and K2O, respectively) were recorded in the same STCR target of 25 t ha-1 through integrated approach. However, the better profit was recorded (value cost ratio: 43.30) in STCR target of 25 t ha-1 through inorganics. The STCR target of 25 t ha-1 through integrated approach had the most positive effect for the carrot cultivation.

Profitability and Impact of Inorganic Fertilizers on the Maize Production in Ekona, Cameroon

Summary Declining soil fertility and low fertilizer use are the major abiotic factors limiting the maize production in Cameroon. Therefore, the design and introduction of appropriate fertilizer schemes, which would improve maize yields and provide incentives for smallholder farmers, are considered imperative. In 2018, a field experiment was conducted on the farm of the Institute of Agricultural Research for Development (IRAD) in Ekona, the south-west region of Cameroon, to investigate the profitability and impact of inorganic fertilizers on maize production. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with four replications and four treatments, using different fertilizer rates per hectare in each treatment (namely unfertilized control (T1), 50 kg urea + 50 kg N-P-K (T2), 100 kg urea + 100 kg N-P-K (T3) and 150 kg urea + 150 kg N-P-K (T4)). The results obtained indicate that all the maize growth parameters (plant height, number of leaves per plant, stem girth and leaf area) and yield components considered (cob length, cob diameter and test weight of 100 grains) were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in T4 than T1. The grain yields recorded ranged from 4.09–5.88 t ha−1 and were also statistically (P < 0.05) higher in T4 than T1. The incremental income based on the fertilizer use was the highest in T4, followed by T3 and T2. The value cost ratio (VCR) was greater than 2 in all the treatments and was found to be highest in T2 (3.15), followed by T4 (2.52) and T3 (2.49). As T2, T3 and T4 did not differ statistically (P > 0.05), all the fertilizer rates considered were economically viable, but T4 provide the most cost-effective due to its higher grain yields and incremental income.

Developing recommendations for increased productivity in cassava-maize intercropping systems in Southern Nigeria.

Cassava-maize intercropping is a common practice among smallholder farmers in Southern Nigeria. It provides food security and early access to income from the maize component. However, yields of both crops are commonly low in farmers’ fields. Multi-locational trials were conducted in Southern Nigeria in 2016 and 2017 to investigate options to increase productivity and profitability through increased cassava and maize plant densities and fertilizer application. Trials with 4 and 6 treatments in 2016 and 2017, respectively were established on 126 farmers’ fields over two seasons with a set of different designs, including combinations of two levels of crop density and three levels of fertilizer rates. The maize crop was tested at low density (LM) with 20,000 plants ha−1 versus high density (HM) with 40,000 plants ha−1. For cassava, low density (LC) had had 10,000 plants ha−1 versus the high density (HC) with 12,500 plants ha−1.; The fertilizer application followed a regime favouring either the maize crop (FM: 90 kg N, 20 kg P and 37 kg K ha−1) or the cassava crop (FC: 75 kg N, 20 kg P and 90 kg K ha−1), next to control without fertilizer application (F0). Higher maize density (HM) increased marketable maize cob yield by 14 % (3700 cobs ha−1) in the first cycle and by 8% (2100 cobs ha−1) in the second cycle, relative to the LM treatment. Across both cropping cycles, fertilizer application increased cob yield by 15 % (5000 cobs ha−1) and 19 % (6700 cobs ha−1) in the FC and FM regime, respectively. Cassava storage root yield increased by 16 % (4 Mg ha−1) due to increased cassava plant density, and by 14 % (4 Mg ha−1) due to fertilizer application (i.e., with both fertilizer regimes) but only in the first cropping cycle. In the second cycle, increased maize plant density (HM) reduced cassava storage root yield by 7% (1.5 Mg ha−1) relative to the LM treatment. However, the negative effect of high maize density on storage root yield was counteracted by fertilizer application. Fresh storage root yield increased by 8% (2 Mg ha−1) in both fertilizer regimes compared to the control without fertilizer application. Responses to fertilizer by cassava and maize varied between fields. Positive responses tended to decline with increasing yields in the control treatment. The average value-to-cost ratio (VCR) of fertilizer use for the FM regime was 3.6 and higher than for the FC regime (VCR = 1.6), resulting from higher maize yields when FM than when FC was applied. Revenue generated by maize constituted 84–91% of the total revenue of the cropping system. The highest profits were achieved with the FM regime when both cassava and maize were grown at high density. However, fertilizer application was not always advisable as 34 % of farmers did not realize a profit. For higher yields and profitability, fertilizer recommendations should be targeted to responsive fields based on soil fertility knowledge.

A Case Study on Reliability, Water Demand and Economic Analysis of Rainwater Harvesting in Australian Capital Cities

This paper presents reliability, water demand and economic analysis of rainwater harvesting (RWH) systems for eight Australian capital cities (Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Darwin, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney). A Python-based tool is developed based on a daily water balance modelling approach, which uses input data such as daily rainfall, roof area, overflow losses, daily water demand and first flush. Ten different tank volumes are considered (1, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 50, 75 and 100 m3). It is found that for a large roof area and tank size, the reliability of RWH systems for toilet and laundry use is high, in the range of 80–100%. However, the reliability for irrigation use is highly variable across all the locations. For combined use, Adelaide shows the smallest reliability (38–49%), while Hobart demonstrates the highest reliability (61–77%). Furthermore, economic analysis demonstrates that in a few cases, benefit–cost ratio values greater than one can be achieved for the RWH systems. The findings of this study will help the Australian Federal Government to enhance RWH policy, programs and subsidy levels considering climate-sensitive inputs in the respective cities.

Crop Establishment Methods and Integrated Nutrient Management Improve: Part I. Crop Performance, Water Productivity and Profitability of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) in the Lower Indo-Gangetic Plain, India

In the eastern part of India, rice as the most vital staple food crop supports as well the livelihood security of a vast population. Rice is mostly grown under conventional flooded culture without proper nutrient management. Crop performance, water productivity and economic profitability of rice cultivation need to be assessed under water-saving rice production methodologies with proper integrated plant nutrient management strategies using locally available low-cost nutrient sources. A field trial was conducted at the Adaptive Research Farm, Polba (58.57 m msl), Agriculture Department, West Bengal, India, during the rainy/wet seasons of 2014 and 2015 under aerobic culture, the system of rice intensification (SRI) and conventional flooded culture. The experiment was conducted to evaluate the influence of integrated plant nutrition and water-saving rice production methodologies on the crop performance and water productivity of rice and analyse the economic profitability of rice under different nutritional management and crop production methods such as aerobic culture, conventional flooded and SRI with an objective of sustainability in rice cultivation in the agroclimatic region. The results revealed that crop productivity significantly (p ≤ 0.05) varied from 4.68 t ha−1 (average yield recorded under aerobic culture) to 6.21 t ha−1 (average yield as achieved under SRI). Cultivation of rice under aerobic and conventional culture resulted in 24.6% and 20.9% yield reduction respectively as compared to SRI. Integrating 75% of the recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) through chemicals with 25% RDN from vermicompost resulted in maximum crop productivity irrespective of crop culture. Aerobic rice culture registered maximum water economy in terms of both irrigation water productivity and total productivity. The study concludes that, for maximization of economic profitability, value cost ratio and partial factor productivity of nutrients the SRI method can be adopted along with integrated nutrient management (75% of RDN through chemicals with 25% RDN from vermicompost) in the lower Indo-Gangetic Plain Zone (IGPZ) of West Bengal, India.

Native Rhizobia Strains Enhance Seed Yield of Groundnut Varieties in Northern Ghana

Rhizobia inoculation with effective strains is an environmentally friendly approach for enhancing nodulation and yield of legumes. To obtain an ideal strain for inoculant production, the strain's performance must be matched to the environmental conditions. A 2 × 9 cross-factorial experiment laid in a randomized complete block design with three replications on farmers' fields in the northern part of Ghana was set up to evaluate the rhizobia's performance. The factors were groundnut varieties (Chinese and Samnut 22) and nine strains consisting of five native rhizobia (KNUST 1001, 1002, 1003, 1032, and 1031), two commercial strains (Biofix and BR3267), and a positive (N+) and absolute control (N–). In addition, the population of the strains was assessed after a cropping season. The strains' performance on groundnut was location and variety dependent. At Cheshegu, KNUST 1031 and 1002 significantly increased seed yield of the Chinese variety compared to other strains; however, KNUST 1031 elicited a 24% yield increase while KNUST 1002 caused a 16% yield increase over the control. Strain KNUST 1031 increased the seed yield of the Chinese variety by 24% while KNUST 1002 increased the seed yield of Samnut by 16%. Only KNUST 1002 elicited a significant seed yield increase in Samnut 22 at Cheshegu. At Binduri, strain KNUST 1003 significantly increased the seed yield of the Chinese variety by 35% relative to the control. Samnut 22 did not show a clear preference for any of the strains. The Chinese variety did not show a clear response to the strains at Tanina. However, Samnut 22 responded to KNUST 1002 as it increased seed yield by 45% relative to the control. On average, the seed yield at Tanina (846.15 kg ha−1) was less than the seed yield recorded at Binduri (1,077.66 kg ha−1) and Cheshegu (1,502.78 kg ha−1). Inoculation with strains KNUST 1002, 1003, and 1031 was all profitable under the current experimental conditions as they recorded value cost ratios (VCRs) above the threshold of 3–4. The study has shown that strains KNUST 1002, 1003, and 1031 have the potential to be used in inoculant formulation to increase groundnut production and enhance the income of smallholder groundnut farmers in northern Ghana.

Analisis Saluran Pemasaran Melon Kuning di Kecamatan Pantai Labu Kabupaten Deli Serdang

This research was conducted with the aim to know the yellow melon’s marketing channel and the efficiency of the yellow melon marketing channel in Pantai Labu District. This research is a descriptive qualitative and quantitative research. Determination of research units for yellow melon farmers using the census method, while the sample for traders using the snow ball sampling method, and consumer samples using the incidental sampling method. The results showed that there was only one channel formed in the marketing of yellow melon in Pantai Labu District, that us from farmers to collectors, then to wholesalers, retailers, and finally to consumers. In this marketing, the market divides the qualities of melons into three grades of gimbo, bs, and super. The most efficient yellow melon market is super grade yellow melon with the lowest marketing margin value of 10%, farmer's share value of 70%, and the profit to marketing cost ratio value of 17> 0 or Rp 17, - so the yellow melon marketing channel is efficient.

Feasibility Study of Municipal Solid Waste Management System (MSW-MS) in Sidoarjo District

Sidoarjo MSW-MS currently facing a problem to fulfill their needs of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) processing, as the data shown by Dinas Lingkungan Hidup dan Kebersihan (DLHK) of Sidoarjo district stated that their service cover only 48% of Sidoarjo total area with the amount of potentially unmanaged MSW per day reach about 83% of it or equal to 1032 ton of MSW per day. In regards to this condition, there is a need to determine a new integrated approach of MSW-MS so that MSW in Sidoarjo district can be more properly managed to reduce its potential implied expense, gain potential benefits from it, and prevent potential negative impacts from improperly managed MSW. In this research, the implementation of proposed integrated MSW-MS will be carried out by a private business entity in collaboration with DLHK of Sidoarjo district in a Public Private Partnership (PPP) scheme represented in form of Business Plan Scenario (BPS). This research focused on determining the best BPS to be implemented in Sidoarjo district which targeted to optimize implied benefits from Sidoarjo District regional government perspective as its priority but still considering BPS feasibility to be implemented by related private business. This process is done by making a financial model according to the proposed BPS that are complemented with linear regression-based for its waste generation input variable and Benefit-Cost Analysis (BCA). Feasibility for each BPS implementation for private business entity perspective determined according to its financial valuation parameters value and Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) for DLHK of Sidoarjo district perspective. Furthermore, an adjustment of several private business parameters is made according to sensitivity and incremental analysis approach to ensure the feasibility of its implementation in terms of private business entity perspective.

Feasibility Study of Determination a New Distribution Warehouse Location Using P-Median and Analytical Network Process Methods in One of the Cement Industries

This research was carried out at one of the companies engaged in the cement industry, which distributed its products throughout Indonesia. However, based on audit results for the Central Java region, there are still a number of minor and major statuses in warehouse management perspectives and the percentage of warehousing cost components to the total distribution costs that exceed the maximum limit set at the warehouses rented from the distributor. Therefore, it’s necessary to determine a new distribution warehouse location owned by the company by considering qualitative and quantitative aspects, then stop the operation of a rented warehouse from a distributor because of the high subsidy costs. The method used in this research is investment feasibility analysis using Net Present Value and Benefit Cost Ratio calculations, determining optimal locations using the P-Median method, and determining location based on multi-criteria using the Analytical Network Process method. The results showed that the location with the highest weight based on multi-criteria decision making and declared feasible based on investment feasibility analysis was located in Cilacap Regency with the optimal location in North Cilacap District. If this decision is carried out, the company can reduce the total distribution costs that must be incurred by the company.

Feasibility Analysis of Spice Coffee Processing Business in Home Industries in Tabahawa Village, Ternate City

Most of the use of coffee today is processed into drinks, with various types, brands and one of them is spice coffee which has been produced in the households of Ternate City, Tabahawa Village. Spice coffee is coffee that mixed with spice powder, namely robusta coffee, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger and sugar. Spice coffee has a warm spicy taste and this coffee has been marketed in stores or supermarkets in Ternate City. Various kinds of beverage products can be made using the basic ingredients of coffee, this is because coffee has a distinctive taste and a refreshing effect. Spices also provide a specific aroma to suit one's taste with a distinctive spice refreshing and warming effect. By combining coffee and spices which have almost the same active compound, it is possible to create mixed flavors that consumers can enjoy. Seeing this potential, it is necessary to conduct research on the Analysis of Spice Coffee Processing Business in the Household Industries of Tabahawa Village, Ternate City. The purpose of this research was to analyze the feasibility of the spice coffee processing business in the Household Industry of Tabahawa Village, Ternate City. The analysis method used in this research are NPV analysis, B / C Ratio, IRR and Payback period. Through the results of the research that the process of making spice coffee includes: All raw materials are ground separately into powder, then the powder is mixed so that it becomes one according to the comparison and to answer the second problem through a financial feasibility analysis that the spice coffee processing business shows that, the NPV value is obtained amounting to Rp.41,437,982, the IRR value obtained is 202.5%, the Cost Ratio value is 0.06%, the Gross B / C Ratio value is Rp.53,717,982, while the calculation of the criteria for the return on investment (playback period) is obtained for 1 year. Investment costs can be covered through profits after the business has been running for 2 years so that the home coffee spice industry is feasible to develop.

Rock Phosphate-Enriched Compost in Combination with Rhizobacteria; A Cost-Effective Source for Better Soil Health and Wheat (Triticum aestivum) Productivity

Organic materials from various sources have been commonly adopted as soil amendments to improve crop productivity. Phosphorus deficiency and fixation in alkaline calcareous soils drives a reduction in crop production. A two-year field experiment was conducted to evaluate the impact of rock phosphate enriched composts and chemical fertilizers both individually and in combination with plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) on wheat productivity and soil chemical and biological and biochemical properties. The present study demonstrates significant increments in crop agronomic and physiological parameters with Pseudomonas sp. inoculated RPEC1 (rock phosphate + poultry litter + Pseudomonas sp.) over the un-inoculated untreated control. However, among all other treatments i.e., RPEC2 (rock phosphate + poultry litter solubilized with Proteus sp.), RPC (rock phosphate + poultry litter), HDP (half dose inorganic P from Single Super Phosphate-SSP 18% P2O5) and SPLC (poultry litter only); RPEC1 remained the best by showing increases in soil chemical properties (available phosphorus, nitrate nitrogen, extractable potassium), biochemical properties (alkaline phosphatase activity) and biological properties (microbial biomass carbon and microbial biomass phosphorus). Economic analysis in terms of Value Cost Ratio (VCR) showed that the seed inoculation with Pseudomonas sp. in combination with RPEC1 gave maximum VCR (3.23:1) followed by RPEC2 (2.61:1), FDP (2.37:1), HDP (2.05:1) and SPLC (2.03:1). It is concluded that inoculated rock phosphate (RP) enriched compost (RPEC1) can be a substitute to costly chemical fertilizers and seed inoculation with Pseudomonas sp. may further increase the efficiency of composts.

Field Evaluation of Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viceae (Rhizobial Strains) Inoculated to Vicia faba L. (faba bean) Cultivars under Nitisol and Chromic Vertisol of Central Highland of Ethiopia

Faba bean varieties and rhizobial strains were tested on two sites of central highland of Ethiopia during the 2016-2017 cropping season to investigate their interaction effect across years and soil types. The treatments were factorial combinations of three potential varieties of faba bean (Dosha, Moti and Walki) with prospective indigenous rhizobial strains (FBW-145, FB-15 and EAL-110) along with 18 kg N ha -1 and negative control and laid in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 3 replications. Results showed that strain interaction with variety (V×S) could give statistically significant (P ≤ 0.05) and economically profitable grain yield difference at Chiri Nitisol condition. Accordingly, Moti × EAL-110, Dosha × FBW-145, Dosha × EAL-110, and Walki × FBW-145 were the most superior pairs in terms of economic profitability and agronomic productivity at Chiri. Their respective relative grain yields were 45, 26, 21, and 16% and value cost ratios (VCRs) were 101, 66, 44 and 42, respectively. Year (rainfall amount and distribution, and farm) showed superior nodule number per plant (NNPP), hundred seed weight (HSW) and grain yield change at both soil types. The study generally confirmed that Nitisol of Chiri requires compatible faba bean cultivar and rhizobial strain but not at Vertisol of Kersa Werko. Keywords : Grain yield, Interaction, Rhizobia, Variety DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/10-18-01 Publication date: September 30 th 2020

English

This paper analyses the effect of labor opportunity cost on economic profitability of fertilizer microdosing (FM) in Burkina Faso. In order to assess the incremental change in net income when the investment cost increases and takes into account labor opportunity cost, the marginal value cost ratio (MVCR) approach is used. Using data from farmer’s field, the results showed that for both crops, the median yield of the fertilizer microdosing plots is 500 kg.ha-1, which is slightly higher than yield from recommended dose plots. Moreover, the rate of fertilizer microdosing plots of millet with a marginal value cost ratio above 2 shifts from 50% (without labor opportunity cost) to 41% (with labor opportunity cost) and not even one recommended dose plots reached this threshold. These findings argued that fertilizer microdosing adopters remain economically profitable for farmers compared to traditional practices despite the opportunity cost of labor. However, because of its importance in the process of fertilizer microdosing adoption, labor costs must be included in its economic evaluation. The results of this study confirm the need to accelerate mechanization of fertilizer microdosing application. Key words: Fertilizer microdosing (FM), labor, marginal value cost ratio, Burkina Faso. &nbsp

Funding pharmacists in general practice: A feasibility study to inform the design of future economic evaluations.

Funding is a significant barrier to employing general practice pharmacists. To explore the feasibility of determining the cost-benefit of pharmacists in Australian general practice. Two part-time pharmacists were employed by general practices in Canberra, Australia. Diaries of the pharmacists were analysed to determine time worked and participation in income-generating activities, including Government-funded programs: Asthma Cycle of Care, Home Medicine Reviews, and Health Care Assessments. Scenarios using different practice and business models were entered into value-cost models to determine the income generated by the pharmacists relative to their salary. Over 19 weeks, pharmacists A and B supported 47 and 23 Asthma Cycle of Care activities, generating income to the general practice of AU$4,700 and AU$2,300, respectively. The pharmacists spent 36.4 and 24.1hours on activities usually conducted by general practitioners (GPs), allowing additional time for GP-patient consultations. Value-cost models determined AU$0.61 - AU$1.20 income generation by pharmacists per AU$1 salary. It was feasible to determine the value-cost ratios of employing pharmacists in general practice using these methods. Future work should focus on developing a robust business model that includes health care system savings resulting from practice pharmacist interventions, determined from randomised controlled trials.

English

Tef [Eragrotis tef] is a major staple cereal crop in Ethiopia but yields are low due to inadequate nutrient supply and other constraints. A field study was conducted in 2014 and 2015 in Jamma district of South Wollo Zone of Amhara Region to determine the economic optimum rate of fertilizer-N for tef. Fertilizer-N rates of 0, 23, 46, 69, 92, 115 and 138 kg ha-1 were evaluated. The randomized complete block design with three replications was used. The fertilizer-N rate means fit a quadratic yield response function with R2=0.25**. The maximum mean grain and straw yields were recorded with 138 kg N ha-1 which was not statistically different from the 92 and 115 kg ha-1 N rates. The net economic returns to N were optimized with the 115 and 92 kg ha-1 N rates with respective net benefits of Ethiopian Birr 30508 and 28971 ha-1 and with marginal rate returns of 236 and 288%, respectively. The highest value to cost ratio (VCR) and highest benefit to cost ratio (BCR) of 10.9 and 5.2, respectively were obtained with 46 kg N ha-1. Using the yield response function determined, the profit-maximizing optimal rate of N was found to be 117 kg N ha-1. Therefore, for financially constrained farmers 46 kg N ha-1 is recommended, while for farmers without financial constraints 92 to 117 kg N ha-1 can be recommended for economic optimum return from tef production on the Vertisols in Jamma District and similar agroecologies. Key words: Economic optimum, Jamma district, nitrogen fertilizer, yields response of tef.

English

Maize (Zea mays L.) is a staple food crop in Malawi, with average yields of 1.8 -2.2 t ha-1 compared to potential yields of 5 to 10 t ha-1. In some areas, soil acidity is a serious constraint in crop production. The current recommendation is to apply 2.0 t ha-1 of lime as pre-plant broadcast and incorporated into soils with pHW < 5.5. A pilot study was conducted during 2015/2016 season at Bunda Campus (14° 35 S’;  33° 50 E’) to evaluate the response of reduced lime application rates of 0, 100, 250 and 500 kg ha-1 applied by  point placement or dollop method (mirodosing) in comparison to recommendation pre-plant broadcast application. A uniform fertilizer application of 69:23:0+4S was made on all plots. Gross Margin (GM) analysis, Value Cost Ratio (VCR) and Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) were undertaken. A gross Margin analysis was done using prevailing input/out values of 2019 at exchange rate of Malawi Kwacha, MK 745 = 1USD. Results showed that the ‘no lime’ control (4.01 t ha-1) gave the lowest grain yield and was significantly (P<0.05) out-yielded by the rest of the treatments. The highest yield of 5.75 t ha-1 was observed from the 500 kg ha-1 application, while the recommended control of 2t/ha yielded 4.90 t ha-1. The BCR was >1.0 for all treatments at two price scenarios of US$0.201 kg-1 and US$0.268 kg-1 grain, but >2.0 only for 100, 250 and 500 kg ha-1 lime application rates. VCR ranged from 4.4 to 10.4, except for 2 t ha-1 treatment which had 0.78 and 1.05 at US$0.201 and US$0.268 kg-1 grain price, respectively.  The results demonstrated that there is potential in reduced lime application rates to increase yield of maize by microdosing of agricultural lime. This study has provided a solid basis for wider evaluation of the concepts for subsequent rolling out to famers. Key words: Dolomitic lime, soil acidity, microdose applications, aglime profitability. &nbsp

Integrating Biochar and Inorganic Fertilizer Improves Productivity and Profitability of Irrigated Rice in Ghana, West Africa

The efficiency of mineral fertilizer use in most soils in Sub-saharan Africa is low. Prominent among the reasons for this is low soil carbon stock. In this study, we hypothesized that in the short term, combined use of biochar and inorganic fertilizer in irrigated rice (Oryza sativa var KRC Baika) cropping systems will increase soil organic carbon storage, N recovery and agronomic efficiency of N use (above world average of 55% and 20 kg grain·kg−1·N respectively) and improved economic returns compared to the sole use of inorganic fertilizer. A two-year (4‒cropping cycles) field trial was, thus, conducted on a Vertisol. The experiments were designed as split–plot with two (0 and 10 t·ha−1) biochar and four (0, 45, 90, 120 kg·ha−1·N) nitrogen application rates. Additionally, the effect of biochar on the chemical properties of the soil was investigated using standard protocols. Biochar application improved the soil organic carbon storage in the topsoil. There were significant interactions between the application of biochar and nitrogen fertilizer on yield parameters. Introducing biochar significantly increased root volume and nutrient (N, P and K) uptake, resulting in increased grain and straw yield. Grain yields under biochar amended plots were higher than sole fertilizer amended plots in 14 out of 16 instances (cropping cycles × N rates). The increase in grain yield was between 12 to 29% across N rates. Biochar amendment also enhanced agronomic N use and apparent N recovery efficiencies in 3 out of the 4 cropping cycles. Gross margin indicated that biochar application under irrigated rice cropping systems is economically feasible in all cropping cycles and N rates. However, the value cost ratio of biochar application was higher than for sole inorganic fertilizer in three out of the four cropping cycles (each cropping cycle has three N rates). The soil organic carbon storage of biochar amended soil increased by 17% under unfertilized condition and by 32% under fertilized condition. To enable the promotion and efficient use of the biochar technology in enhancing productivity and profitability in irrigated rice, extension officers and farmers will need to be trained on how to char the rice husk to reduce emissions prior to upscaling the technology to farmers.