Fertilizer Adoption Research Articles

Formulation challenges associated with microbial biofertilizers in sustainable agriculture and paths forward

AbstractSustainable increase in agriculture productivity is confronted by over‐reliance and over‐use of synthetic chemical fertilizers. With a market projection of $5.02 billion by 2030, biofertilizers are gaining momentum as a supplement and, in some cases, as an alternative to chemical fertilizers. Biofertilizers can improve the nutritional supply to the plant and simultaneously can improve soil health, reduce greenhouse emissions, and hence directly contribute towards environmental sustainability. Plant growth‐promoting microbes (PGPMs) are particularly receiving significant attention as biofertilizers. They are widely known for their ability to improve plant growth via increasing nutrient availability and use efficiency. However, except for a few successful cases, the commercialization of PGPM‐based inoculants is still limited, mainly due to lack of field efficacy and consistency. Lack of effective formulation technologies that keep microbial inoculants viable during storage, transport and field application is considered one of the key factors that drive inconsistent efficacy of microbial biofertilizers. In this review, we identify current challenges associated with the application and formulation of microbial inoculants. We propose future paths, including advancement in formulation technologies that are potentially efficient, eco‐friendly and cost‐effective. We argue that to enhance the global adoption of biofertilizers, new innovations based on transdisciplinary approaches are indispensable. The emerging framework should encompass a robust quality control system at all stages. Additionally, the active partnership between the academic and industry stakeholders will pave the way for enhanced global adoption of microbial fertilizers.

Effects of Radio-Based Extension Services on farmers’ Adoption of Organo-Mineral Fertilizers, Biofertilizers, and Manure in Lesotho

ABSTRACT This study examined the effects of radio-based extension services on farmers’ adoption of organo-mineral fertilizer, biofertilizer, and manure in Lesotho using a sample of 1659 farmers extracted from the 2019/2020 agricultural production survey database Bureau of Statistics (BOS). Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 29 to analyze and compare the data collected. Descriptive statistics were computed to examine the proportion and disaggregation based on the use of radio as the main source of extension information through cross-tabulation and a Probit regression analysis. The results show information types covered include agronomy, pest/disease, credit, new practice, varieties, weather, land tenure, soil conservation, and crop protection, with majority indicating radio as the source; while technologies promoted by radio are soil conservation, terraces, cover cropping, crop rotation, organo-mineral fertilizer, organic fertilizer, biofertilizers, manure, and improved seeds. Radio continues to play a major role in the dissemination of agricultural information and influence adoption behavior despite the multimedia approach to agricultural communication.

Current challenges on the widespread adoption of new bio-based fertilizers: insights to move forward toward more circular food systems

To meet global food demands sustainably, it is necessary to safeguard finite natural resources and reduce harmful emissions to the environment. Nutrients in biowastes are often not managed appropriately. Instead, they can be recovered, recycled into bio-based fertilizers (BBFs) and reincorporated into food production systems. This review addresses three critical issues for developing and adopting new BBFs, focusing on the European context: (1) BBFs should match the agronomic efficiency of mineral fertilizers. We propose that the agronomic efficiency of BBFs can be increased through pre-treating the inputs in biowaste transformation processes (e.g., anaerobic digestion), chemical treatments of existing BBFs, organo-mineral combinations, and soil placement strategies. (2) Production and use of new BBFs is not free of environmental impacts, and these are influenced by regional conditions. (3) Public perception and end-user preferences play a significant role in the adoption of BBFs. Therefore, it is vital to address the requirements of end-users of BBFs. Our findings indicate that for widespread adoption, BBFs need sufficient and reliable nutrient amounts and crop-adequate ratios, as well as competitive pricing. A key advantage of BBFs over mineral fertilizers is their ability to improve soil fertility. However, farmers also require fertilizers that can be handled and applied with existing machinery and offer the practicality of commercial products. Another important aspect is the willingness of consumers to buy products fertilized with BBFs. Designing and promoting BBFs requires a careful assessment of environmental impacts and regional conditions, as the sustainability of BBFs depends on factors like energy sources and biowaste transport distances. Ultimately, the goal is to promote a circular economy and not just to substitute mineral fertilizers with new products. This review aims to guide researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders by highlighting key innovations and addressing critical barriers.

SSESSMENT OF FACTORS INFLUENCING ADOPTION OF NARICT NEEM ORGANIC FERTILIZER AMONG SMALLHOLDER TOMATO FARMERS IN KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

This study was designed to assess smallholder tomato farmer’s level of awareness of NARICT neem organic fertilizer as well as to determine the factors influencing its adoption by the smallholder tomato farmers in the study area. Four Local Government Areas (LGAs) were randomly selected from the four ADP zones of the state. One village was randomly selected from each of the four selected LGAs and then 11% of the tomato farmers from each of the four villages were randomly selected to arrive at the sample size of three hundred and fifty (350) tomato formers. Both inferential and descriptive statistics were used in the analysis of data. The mean age of respondents was found to be 42yrs for adopters and 35yrs for non-adopters, 96.9% were males for adopters and 22.1% are females for non-adopters respectively. The mean household size for the non-adopters was 11 persons and 8 persons for non-adopters. 94.3% of the interviewed farmers were aware of the NARICT neem organic fertilizer and 5.7% are not aware of the NARICT neem organic fertilizer. It was therefore concluded that even though about 54.3% of the respondents are aware of NARICT neem fertilizer, only about 45.7 % use it. Also, it was found out that the socio-economic and Institutional characteristics of the farmers have significant influence on the adoption of NARICT neem organic fertilizer. The result shows that socio economic factors such as farming experience, educational level, farm size, age and source of credit significantly influence adoption of the fertilizer...

Dataset: Cowpea Cultivars with Residual Organomineral Fertilizers from Crop Corn Cultivation

Cowpea is a critical dietary staple, especially in tropical and subtropical regions, due to its high protein content, essential amino acids, and other nutrients. This study aimed to assess the impact of residual organomineral fertilizers from a preceding corn crop on cowpea cultivars in southern Maranhão, Brazil. Two cowpea cultivars, BRS Tucumaque and BRS Nova Era, were evaluated using a randomized block design with three replications. This study incorporated two organomineral fertilizers derived from cattle manure and natural phosphates a simple superphosphate at a dose of 50 kg ha-1, and a control without phosphorus fertilization. The key agronomic traits measured included the number of nodes, pod per plant, grains per pod, thousand-grain weight, and yield per hectare. This research underscores the potential of organomineral fertilizers to enhance cowpea yield while minimizing environmental impact, offering a viable alternative to conventional fertilization methods. These findings advocate broader adoption of organomineral fertilizers in cowpea cultivation, potentially increasing yield and reducing costs. The database derived from this research is composed of 48 samples. Four types of fertilization were considered: control, simple superphosphate and two organomineral fertilizers; two planting systems with and without U. ruziensis straw; and two cultivars.

Nitrogen Use Efficiency and Yield Levels Using Soluble and Controlled-release Urea Formulations in Tomato Production

This research study evaluated the suitability of controlled-release urea (CRU) as an alternate nitrogen (N) fertilizer source to conventional soluble urea (U) for tomato production under a humid, warm climate in coastal plain soils. Tomatoes are typically produced on raised plastic-mulched beds, where U is fertigated through multiple applications. On the other hand, CRU is applied once at planting, incorporated into soil before the raised beds are covered with plastic mulch. N source and management will likely impact tomato yield, N use efficiency (NUE), and apparent recovery of N fertilizer (APR). A 2-year field study was conducted on fall and spring tomato crops in north Florida to determine the crop N requirement and NUE in tomatoes (var. HM 1823) grown in sandy soils under a plastic-mulched bed system. In addition to a no N fertilizer treatment, three urea N sources [one soluble source and two polymer-coated CRU sources with different N release durations of 60 (CRU-60) and 75 (CRU-75) days] were applied at three N rates (140, 168, and 224 kg⋅ha−1). Across all N sources and N rates, fall yields were at least 20% higher than spring seasons. At the 140 kg⋅ha−1 N rate, APR and NUE were improved, especially when U was applied in fall tomato, whereas preplant CRUs improved N efficiency in spring tomato. Based on the lower APR values found in spring production seasons (0% to 16%) when compared with fall (57.1% to 72.6%), it can be concluded that residual soil N was an important source for tomatoes. In addition, the mean whole-plant N accumulation of tomato was 102.5 kg⋅ha−1, further indicating that reducing the N rate closer to crop N demand would greatly improve conventional vegetable production systems on sandy soils in north Florida. In conclusion, polymer-coated CRU and fertigation U applications were able to supply the N requirement of spring and fall tomato at a 38% reduction of the recommended N rate for tomato in Florida (224 kg⋅ha−1). Preliminary results show that adoption of CRU fertilizers can be considered a low-risk alternative N source for tomato production and the ease of applying CRU once during the bed preparation period for tomato may be an additional incentive.

“A bloodless social revolution”: Land reform and multiple cropping in Cold War Taiwan, 1950–1979

Societal Impact StatementMultiple cropping, the cultivation of several crops on the same land in a year, occupied an important part of Taiwan's agricultural research from 1950 to 1970. This research originated in the context of Taiwan's land reform and diversification programs and their connections to the government's political ambition to maximize food production. The study of how multiple cropping was politicized and depoliticized by different actors helps to expand the narratives of the Green Revolution in Asia, analyze their legacies, and highlight Taiwan's role in the international exchange of visions of agricultural development during the Cold War.Summary Scholars have recently expanded the history of the Green Revolution to move beyond the narrative of North–South technological diffusion. This article enriches the scholarship with the case of multiple cropping in Taiwan and its connection to Cold War geopolitics. Rice productivity in postwar Taiwan was boosted through a land reform launched by the Sino‐American Joint Commission on Rural Reconstruction (JCRR) in the 1950s. Backed by American aid and staffed by scientists from the Republic of China (ROC) government, the JCRR envisioned to turn tenant farmers into landowners so as to encourage labor input and adoption of seeds and fertilizers. By 1960, the JCRR presented its reform as a “bloodless social revolution” and extended its focus to multiple cropping through a diversification program. The JCRR further created the Asian Vegetable Research and Development Center (AVRDC) in 1971 to spread Taiwan's breeding and cropping techniques. The ROC's diplomatic isolation in the 1970s, however, prompted the center to reinterpret Taiwan's success in multiple cropping from a political achievement to a technological triumph, thus reinforcing the technology‐driven narrative used by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). Through Taiwan's influences on IRRI's rice breeding and multiple cropping research, this paper illustrates that the history of the Green Revolution requires more complex narratives. In addition, with Taiwan's political and economic transition since the 1980s, farmers began to reclaim their voice and influence agricultural policies. The case thus highlights the need of democratic participation in agricultural research, a concern that remains relevant today.

Impact of integrated soil fertility management on maize yield, yield gap and income in northern Ghana

This paper analyzes the impact of integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) on maize yield, yield gap and net income in northern Ghana using an inverse-probability-weighted regression adjustment (IPWRA). In this study, ISFM is restricted to the adoption of crop rotation (CR), inorganic fertilizer (FT), and farmyard manure (MN) either in isolation or in combination. We find a synergy in yield gain (86.52 % increase in yield) and a decrease in yield gap (of 10.22 %) with the adoption of all three technologies as a package (CR+FT+MN). The joint adoption of all three technologies is also associated with a 51.29 % increase in net income from maize production and has a Benefit-Cost Ratio of 3.23.

Analysis of Organic Fertilizer Use in Improving Soil Quality and Agricultural Yields in Indonesia

This research investigates the impact of organic fertilizer use on soil quality and agricultural yields in Indonesia through a qualitative analysis. Ten informants, including small-scale and large-scale farmers, agricultural experts, and environmentalists, provided insights into their perceptions and experiences. The study reveals diverse farmer perspectives, with small-scale farmers exhibiting limited awareness and large-scale farmers emphasizing long-term benefits. Organic fertilizers were found to positively influence soil quality, improving structure, water retention, and microbial activity. Crop-specific responses varied, highlighting the importance of considering regional agroecological conditions. Challenges such as access, affordability, and labor intensity were identified, countered by opportunities including government programs, cooperative farming, and consumer demand. Decision-making factors encompassed economic considerations, knowledge, environmental consciousness, and social influences. The synthesis underscores the need for tailored interventions, acknowledging the complexity of factors shaping the adoption of organic fertilizers in Indonesian agriculture.

Exploring the factors influencing urban farmers’ perception and attitude toward the use of excreta-based organic fertilizers in Arba Minch City, Ethiopia

This study assesses the factors influencing urban farmers’ intentions to adopt excreta-based organic fertilizers in Arba Minch City, Ethiopia, to address the pressing global resource use challenge, particularly the linear system of organic nutrient use and the practice of closing the nutrient loop. To do this, the study applies the Combined Model of Theory of Planned Behavior and Technology Acceptance Model (C-TPB-TAM) to examine the links between attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and farmers’ intentions. Surveys that were given to a sample of urban farmers in Arba Minch City were used to get the data. The results shed light on the factors that influence farmers’ decisions to use organic fertilizers and offer useful information for resolving the problem of resource use in the context of urban agriculture. The findings specifically show how attitudes, perceived behavioral control, perceived usefulness, and perceived ease of use significantly affect farmers’ intentions. However, it was discovered that the subjective norm did not significantly affect the farmer’s intention. These results highlight how critical it is to address farmers’ attitudes, perceived behavioral control, perceived usefulness, and perceived ease of use to encourage the adoption of sustainable farming methods and close the nutrient loop. Farmers can help mitigate the negative environmental effects of the linear nutrient system and speed up the transition to a more resource- and sustainably efficient agriculture system by implementing organic fertilizers. This study not only adds to the body of knowledge but also has applications for practitioners and policymakers who want to encourage the use of organic fertilizers. To better understand the adoption of organic fertilizer in various locations and nations, future research projects should think about extending the geographical reach and examining real adoption behavior. We can encourage sustainable agricultural practices and work toward a more resource-oriented and resilient future by building on these lessons.

Enhancing Agricultural Sustainability in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA): A Study on Awareness, Perceptions, and Information-Communication-Education (ICE) Interventions for Organic Fertilizer Adoption in Digkilaan, Iligan City

Enhancing Agricultural Sustainability in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA): A Study on Awareness, Perceptions, and Information-Communication-Education (ICE) Interventions for Organic Fertilizer Adoption in Digkilaan, Iligan City

An overview of foliar application of macro and micronutrients on the yield of maize in Ghana

Maize is a major staple crop in Ghana which plays a significant role in consumer diets. For some time now, the farming methods used by the farmers have been negatively affected by components such as climate, soil nutrient depletion, and constant monocropping resulting in the adoption of inorganic fertilizers. Conventional fertilizers supplied through soils are subjected to slow release of nutrients, leaching, fixation, surface runoff, erosion, and volatilization, which hinders optimal plant growth and yield. Foliar application of fertilizer offers an alternative method of fertilizer application that supplies nutrients directly to the stomata and cuticle of the leaves of maize thereby enabling rapid absorption and enhancing crop vigor. The The main objective of this paper is to review research papers which explores the potential of foliar application of vital nutrients – phosphorus (P), sulphur (S), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) – to improve the yield of maize crop. According to the literature gathered, foliar fertilization in combination with soil applied fertilizers emerges as a promising strategy, particularly in addressing nutrient deficiencies and stress scenarios. The efficient uptake of nutrients through leaves, as opposed to traditional soil-based approaches, holds promise for augmenting yield and enhancing protein content in maize crops. Notably, prior research highlights the efficacy of foliar-applied P, S, Zn, and Fe in significantly boosting grain yield. By understanding the complex mechanisms of nutrient absorption and the advantages of foliar application, the agricultural sector can explore innovative avenues to surmount soil-related challenges and achieve sustainable crop development.

Rural digital credit and residential energy consumption: Evidence from the agricultural production perspective

Lack of capital hindered the development of agricultural production and the residential energy consumption transition in rural areas, but, with the continuous advancement of digital finance technologies, rural digital credit eased the liquidity constraint of agricultural production, which influenced residential energy consumption. However, few studies explored the relationship between rural digital credit and residential energy consumption. Hence, the instrumental variable (IV) method, the mediation effect model and the survey data that covered 295 effective samples were used to analyze the impact of rural digital credit on residential energy consumption from the agricultural production perspective in this study. The results indicated that rural digital credit resulted in a significant decline of the consumption of traditional energy products, but impacts of rural digital credit on electricity consumption and the new-style energy products consumption were not significant. Further, rural digital credit reduced traditional energy products consumption via boosting the level of agricultural mechanization and the adoption of precision fertilizer applying technique. This paper was conducive to not only developing the green credit markets in rural areas, but also enhancing the residential energy consumption transition and sustainable development.

Does bundling credit with index insurance boost agricultural technology adoption? Evidence from Ghana

AbstractThe adoption of advanced agricultural technologies in Sub‐Saharan Africa remains disappointingly low, particularly among the millions of poor smallholders who account for most of the agricultural production. We conducted a randomized control trial in Ghana to assess the impact of easing drought‐risk constraints in the agricultural credit market, by bundling joint liability agricultural loans with index insurance, on smallholder farmers’ agricultural technology adoption decisions. In the micro‐insurance treatment, any index insurance payouts go directly to farmers, while in the meso‐insurance treatment, payouts are issued to banks to be used to expunge farmers’ debts. We find evidence that bundling joint liability lending with micro‐insurance increases adoption of fertilizer.

Nano fertilizers: Revolutionizing Agriculture for Sustainable Crop Growth

Nanofertilizers, a cutting-edge advancement in agricultural technology, have garnered considerable attention for their potential to revolutionize crop production and promote sustainable farming practices. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of nanofertilizers, focusing on their design, properties, applications, and environmental implications. By encapsulating nutrients within nano-sized carriers, nano fertilizers offer controlled release mechanisms that optimize nutrient delivery to plants while minimizing environmental impact. The unique properties of nanofertilizers, including their small size and high surface area-to-volume ratio, facilitate enhanced nutrient absorption and utilization by crops. Moreover, nano fertilizers can be tailored to respond to specific environmental cues, further enhancing their efficacy in diverse agroecosystems. However, the widespread adoption of nano fertilizers raises concerns regarding their potential risks and unintended consequences, necessitating careful evaluation of their environmental fate and toxicity. Through a balanced assessment of opportunities and challenges, this paper underscores the transformative potential of nanofertilizers in promoting sustainable crop growth and advancing global food security goals.

Adoption of improved chickpea technologies for productivity enhancement in the North Western Ethiopian highlands

Efforts have been made on promoting improved chickpea technologies. However, the result is not that much impressive. This study aimed to analyze drivers of technology adoption. 224 respondents were used for this study. Multivariate Probit (MVP) and Seemingly Unrelated Regression (SUR) models were employed. The results from MVP model, marginal success probability of adoption decision were 60%, 19%, and 17% for a variety, bio-inoculant, and chemical fertilizer, respectively. Distance from farmers' training center, farm income, livestock holding, and field day participation have significantly affected for adoption of chickpea varieties. A social network, market information, and field day participation have significantly influenced the adoption of bio-inoculant fertilizer. In addition, household size, asset owned, and field day participation has significantly influenced the adoption of chemical fertilizer. Field day participation was the most important variable for the adoption decision of chickpea technologies as a package. The results from SUR model, farmers' training center distance, farm income, livestock holding, social network and agricultural training have significantly influenced adoption intensity of improved varieties. Age, farming experience, livestock holding, social network, education status, and field day and training participation have significantly influenced the intensity of bio-inoculant adoption. In addition, Age, education status, radio owned, training participation, asset owned and farmer's perception have significantly influenced the intensity of chemical fertilizer adoption. Training participation is the most determinant factor for adoption intensity of improved technologies. Hence, government should emphasize on improving of extension services, provision of education, encouraging livestock rearing, strengthening credit access for farmers, strengthening rural infrastructure, and considering community social network for adoption of chickpea technologies.

Impacts of the joint adoption of improved varieties and chemical fertilizers on rice productivity in Bolivia: implications for Global Food Systems

Rice research and technology development in Latin America has increased yields and offered the opportunity for several countries to contribute to global food security by becoming net exporters of this cereal. In spite of the broad availability of rice technologies in the region, rice yields remain substantially low in countries like Bolivia. This study examines how Bolivian rice growers make simultaneous decisions about adopting improved varieties and chemical fertilizers and how this joint decision influences the productivity of this crop. By exploiting a nationally representative survey of rice producers, we use a multinomial logit model and an optimal instrumental variable approach to study both the correlates of technology adoption and the impacts of this adoption on rice yields. Our findings suggest that partial adoption of rice varieties or fertilizers does not affect yields, but the joint adoption of these technologies can almost double rice productivity. Promoting packages of agricultural technologies—instead of single technologies within efforts to make these technologies available for small farmers—would exploit the complementarities of different technologies and boost rice yields in Bolivia. The implications would not only be to achieve the desired self-sufficiency in rice production but also to follow similar pathways of other countries in the region that have become net exporters of rice and are contributing to Global Food Systems.

Determinants of Inorganic Fertilizer Adoption: The Case of Smallholder Farmers in Gimbo District South West Region Ethiopia

Determinants of Inorganic Fertilizer Adoption: The Case of Smallholder Farmers in Gimbo District South West Region Ethiopia

Does cooperative membership enhance inorganic fertilizer use intensity? Panel data evidence from maize farmers in Ethiopia

AbstractAgricultural cooperatives are increasingly being viewed as an effective means of promoting agricultural technologies in developing countries. This paper examines the effects of cooperative membership on inorganic fertilizer use intensity. Employing a three‐wave panel dataset relating to smallholder maize farmers in Ethiopia, we model inorganic fertilizer application as a two‐step decision‐making process involving both fertilizer adoption and its use intensity. To reflect these two related steps, we use a double‐hurdle model. We account for unobservable household heterogeneity and endogeneity utilizing a correlated random‐effects framework and a control function approach. The findings reveal that cooperative membership increased inorganic fertilizer use intensity, as well as the probability of it being used in the first place by 4.2% and 5.3%, respectively. Following further examination of who benefits most among cooperative members, we discovered that membership benefits all farmers in terms of fertilizer use intensity, irrespective of the members’ poverty status. However, we did not observe a significant effect of cooperative membership on the likelihood of fertilizer use by land‐poor and less asset‐endowed households. This highlights the necessity of implementing policies that provide poor and marginalized Ethiopian maize farmers with resources that enhance the contribution agricultural cooperatives make to their well‐being.

Assessing Grain Yield and Achieving Enhanced Quality in Maize by Next Generation Fertilizer: A Review

It explores the potential of advanced fertilizers in improving maize yield and quality while addressing environmental and socioeconomic concerns. Investigating the innovations in fertilizer technologies and their impact on maize cultivation, identifying research gaps and suggesting policy recommendations. The potential of advanced fertilizers for enhancing maize yield and quality while tackling environmental and socioeconomic issues: Advanced fertilizers, marked by enhanced nutrient use efficiency and targeted nutrient delivery, present valuable prospects for sustainable corn farming. This includes progress in fertilizer technologies, combined management strategies, and the effects of these cutting-edge products on corn yield and quality. Additionally, we explore research gaps, areas requiring further study, and policy suggestions to support the adoption of advanced fertilizers in corn production systems. By seizing these opportunities and addressing the related challenges, the global agricultural community can strive for more sustainable, efficient, and productive corn farming practices that contribute to improved food security and nutrition.