Fertilizer Costs Research Articles

Impact of Organic Farming in Economic Development in Agriculture

Organic farming is valued for its self-sustaining, environmentally friendly methods that protect surrounding ecosystems of plants and animals. It reduces weed growth through techniques like crop rotation and integrates traditional knowledge alongside natural processes. This approach optimizes inputs, strengthens regenerative abilities, and ensures effective conservation of resources and nutrients. The cost-benefit ratio in sustainable agriculture is notably better, as it requires fewer primary inputs compared to conventional methods, which often incur high costs for fertilizers and pesticides, lowering profit margins. Additionally, conventional farming's heavy reliance on chemicals can lead to significant health risks, both mental and physical. Organic farming, by following natural principles and using non-synthetic, traditional practices, creates a balanced environment that allows crops to thrive. This approach helps counteract the negative impacts of chemical-dependent agriculture, increasing production sustainably and supporting population growth without harming the ecosystem. Core principles of organic farming include health, ecology, fairness, and care. The benefits range from natural pest and disease resistance, specialization potential, healthier soil, support for pollinators, no GMO concerns, safer work conditions for farmers, and on-farm input production. Farmers and companies must meet stringent, government-approved standards, undergo regular certification, and comply with inspections to ensure the high quality of organic products produced with renewable resources. This paper aims to delve into the origins of organic farming, its environmental, social, economic, and agricultural advantages, and underscore its importance for the future. Similarly, on a larger scale, it can provide rural populations with greater earnings, better resource management and more chances to generate revenue Keywords: Organic Farming, Sustainability, Farmers, Health, Ecology.

Assessing Nitrogen Fertilization in Processing Pepper: Critical Nitrogen Curve, Yield Response, and Crop Development

Groundwater pollution in intensive horticultural areas is becoming an increasingly important problem. Over-fertilization of these crops, combined with poor irrigation management, leads to groundwater contamination through leaching. Previous research on the effect of N on sweet peppers grown in greenhouses is abundant, but data on outdoor cultivation, especially considering variety and site influences, are lacking. Therefore, this study evaluates nitrogen (N) fertilization in open-field processing-pepper crop in Extremadura, Spain to mitigate this environmental impact. Field trials were conducted in 2020, 2021, and 2022 to determine the optimum N fertilizer rate for processing peppers, with the aim of reducing environmental impacts such as nitrate leaching while maintaining crop yields. The trial consisted of applying different N doses, 0, 60, 120, and 180 kg N/ha in 2020 and 2021 and 0, 100, and 300 kg N/ha in 2022. There were four replications of each treatment, arranged in randomized blocks. Measurements included crop yield, biomass, intercepted photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), and canopy cover. The study also developed a critical nitrogen curve (CNC) to determine the minimum N concentration required for optimal growth. The commercial yield results showed that there were no significant differences between the two treatments with higher N inputs in the three years; therefore, the application of more than 120 kg N/ha did not significantly increase yield. Nitrogen-free treatments resulted in earlier fruit maturity, concentrating the harvest and reducing waste. In addition, excessive N application led to environmental problems such as groundwater contamination due to nitrate leaching. The study concludes that outdoor pepper crops in this region can achieve optimal yields with lower N rates (around 120 kg N/ha) compared to current practices, taking into account that initial soil N values were higher than 100 kg N/ha, thereby reducing environmental risks and fertilizer costs. It also established relationships between biomass, canopy cover, and N uptake to improve fertilization strategies. These data support future crop modeling and sustainable fertilization practices.

Genetic Diversity of Maize (Zea mays L.) Genotypes under Low Level of Nitrogen

Maize (Zea mays L.) is India's second most significant crop, behind rice. As a cross-pollinated crop, hybrid vigour is commonly used to achieve the best production potential. The selection of various genotypes is a primary goal in the maize hybrid breeding programme. Maize is a voracious feeder and requires a lot of fertiliser. The biggest limits on maize production in India are low soil nitrogen and high fertiliser costs. Jharkhand consumes only 82.5 kg of total fertiliser nutrients per acre. In order to discover genetically varied maize genotypes for nitrogen usage efficiency, the current study evaluated 121 maize genotypes in a randomised block design with two replications at low nitrogen levels. Plant height, days to 50% pollen shed, days to 50% silk, anthesis-silking interval (ASI), days to75% maturity, number of leaves per plant, root length, stover yield per plant, grain yield per plant, and harvest index were all recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using the morphological trait data. Analysis of variance revealed substantial (p≤0.05) variations in morphological features between maize genotypes. For statistical analysis, a clustering method was used to locate various genotypes with greater genetic distance in order to develop good heterotic combinations. One hundred twenty one genotypes were divided into six clusters using the dendogram-by-ward minimum variance approach. Cluster III and V had the greatest inter-cluster distance (79.26), followed by cluster III and VI (74.77) and cluster II and III (73.80). The many heterotic combinations developed from these clusters can be employed in subsequent breeding programmes to produce low nitrogen-requiring hybrids with a low yield penalty.

Determinants of profit among maize farmers in Osogbo ADP zone of Osun State, Nigeria

Maize output in Nigeria is declining and worsening economic situations continue to afflict rural households increasing the level of food insecurity. This study examined the determinants of profit among maize farmers in Osogbo ADP zone of Osun State, Nigeria. Primary data were sourced using a well-structured questionnaire from a total of 120 maize farmers. A two-stage sampling procedure was employed to select the farmers. The analytical tools used were descriptive statistics, farm budgetary techniques and regression analysis. The results showed that maize cultivation was dominated by male farmers with an average age of 50 ± 9.4 years. Additionally, less than 30.8% of the maize farmers had formal education above secondary school. The farming experience of the maize farmers was 14.7 ± 5.3 years and the average farm size was estimated at 7.85 ± 2.15 acres. The average farm income was N207 314.40 ± 23 290.95 with the Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) of 2.24. The major constraints of maize production, ranked based on their higher values of WMS, were the high labour costs, expenditures for pest and disease control, and the high costs of fertilizers The determinants of farm income that had positive relationship and were significant at 1% level of significance include years of formal education, expenditure on fertilizer while age of the framers negatively influenced the farm income. Also, the farm size and years of farming experience were positive and statistically significant to farm income at 5%. The study suggests a policy focus of training farmers in modern farming system and implement sustainable farm inputs subsidy programs. Keywords: determinants, profit, maize, farmers, Nigeria

Yield and Nitrogen Uptake of Wheat as Influenced by Nitrogen, Vermicompost and Biofertilizer Application at Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal

High cost, unavailability, and imbalance use of chemical fertilizers and environmental degradation are challenging sustainability of wheat production in Nepal. Integration of vermicompost, biofertilizer (Azotobacter chrococcom) and chemical fertilizer can improve the situation. A field experiment was conducted to assess the combined application of vermicompost, chemical fertilizer and biofertilizer on the growth, yield, and nitrogen uptake of wheat at Rampur Chitwan from November 2021 to April 2022. The experiment was laid out in a strip-split plot design with five N levels as horizontal factors (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% of recommended dose), two vermicompost levels (0 and 5 t ha-1) as the vertical factor, and two biofertilizer levels (with and without application) as the sub-plot factor with three replications. Data on growth, yield attributes and yield of wheat, nitrogen uptake were collected, analyzed and presented. The research result revealed a significant influence of biofertilizer and nitrogen levels on grain yield of wheat. Full dose of nitrogen resulted a significantly higher grain yield (4441.71 kg ha-1) than other nitrogen levels (0, 25, 50, 75 % of recommended dose with grain yield 2792.11, 2982.20, 3771.17. 4231.63 kg ha-1 respectively). Biofertilizer application had significantly higher grain yield (3726.76 kg ha-1) compared with no biofertilizer application (3560 kg ha-1). There was significant interactions between biofertilizer application and nitrogen levels on number of grains per spike and sterility percent of wheat. The number of grain per spike was highest with 100% recommended N with biofertilizer application (47.52 grains/spike) followed by 75 % recommended N with biofertilizer application (46.53 grains/spike). The sterility % was lowest (6.47 %) with 100 % N with biofertilizer application followed by 75 % N with biofertilizer application (6.72 %). Total nitrogen uptake was significantly higher (119.04 kg ha-1) for full dose of nitrogen as compared with lower nitrogen levels (0, 25. 50, 75 % recommended N levels). Biofertilizer application also resulted in significantly higher nitrogen uptake (89.89 kg ha-1) as compared with no Biofertilizer application (79.89 kg ha-1). Integration of biofertilizer, with chemical fertilizer 75 - 100 % recommended N level could increase the growth, yield, and nitrogen uptake of wheat in Chitwan.

Symbiotic N2 fixation in cowpea varieties is markedly enhanced by inoculation with elite Bradyrhizobium strains

Because of its excellent ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp] makes a significant contribution to soil sustainability and productivity in the resource limited tropical regions. However, due to in part to ineffectiveness and limited availability of bio-inoculant, its symbiotic N contribution and yield remained low in the field. Therefore, this study examined the effect of elite cowpea infecting Bradyrhizobium strains (CP-24 and CP-37) on shoot biomass and symbiotic nitrogen contributions of four cowpea varieties (Keti, TVU, Black eye bean, and White wonderer trailing). For this a two-year field experiment was carried out at three sites using a factorial randomized complete block design with four replications. The natural abundance of the 15N technique was used to compute the symbiotic N contribution. Bradyrhizobium inoculation led to significantly higher nodule formation, % Ndfa, amounts of N fixed, and shoot biomass, demonstrating the effectiveness and ability of the strains to enhance soil fertility. Inoculating cowpea with CP-24 strain increased shoot N content, % Ndfa and N fixed by 40%, 15%, and 41%, respectively, in comparison to the un-inoculated control. Furthermore, the inoculant by variety interaction had a significant effect on nodule number, nodule dry weight, and amount of N fixed, with TVU and White Wonderer trailing in combination with CP-24 exhibiting the most outstanding performance. There was also a strong positive correlation between biomass accumulation and N fixed, as well as N fixed and seed yield. Therefore, Bradyrhizobium inoculation on cowpea varieties TVU and White Wonderer trailing with CP-24 strain is recommended at all three tested sites and similar agro-ecologies for improved symbiotic N contribution and associated yield advantage of cowpea. This study highlights that, the use of elite and crop specific Bradyrhizobium strains can boost symbiotic nitrogen contribution, soil fertility, and the yield performance of legumes. Thus, it helps resource-poor farmers who are suffering from rising mineral fertilizer cost to achieve food security while reducing climate change risks.

ANALYSIS OF THE ESTABLISHMENT AND MAINTENANCE COSTS OF TABLE GRAPE PLANTATIONS ACCORDING TO THE PERGOLA SUPPORT SYSTEM

Evaluating the costs of establishment and maintenance of table grape plantations, grown through the Pergola management system, is a significant opportunity for winegrowers in the Republic of Moldova. This system, relatively new in the country, remains unadopted for many of the table grape producers. The present research highlights the methodological and technical aspects related to the costs associated with the cultivation of table grapes through the Pergola management system, which must be adapted to the specific climatic conditions of Moldova and to the current market requirements. The main objective of the research is to analyze the structure of costs that influence the yield of plantations in the long term, including the initial establishment expenses and the subsequent maintenance expenses. The author points out that although the maintenance costs of Pergola table grape plantations are high, the growing demand for quality grapes adds significant economic value to this vineyard management system. The research details the composition of the establishment and maintenance costs of table grape plantations, namely fertilization costs, irrigation costs, mechanized service costs. Concrete examples show what the structure of these costs is, thus demonstrating the importance of a correct assessment of costs in the process of establishing and maintaining table grape plantations.

Comparative study on productivity of Hybrid Napier CO3 and CO4 with the application of organic and inorganic fertilizers

The present study aimed to assess the growth parameters, herbage yield and chemical composition of CO3 and CO4 (Pennisetum perpureum X Pennisetum americarnum) at the Livestock farm Eastern University, Sri Lanka from July to September 2018. Four different treatments; inorganic fertilizer 100%, Organic fertilizer 100%, Control and Inorganic+Organic fertilizer 1:1 (weight basis). Plant height, leaf length, number of tillers per clump, leaf area, yield and total ash content were measured at two-week intervals from the 4th week up to the 8th week and data were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The means were separated using Duncan’s multiple range test at 0.05 significance level. Results indicated that the productivity of CO3 is superior to CO4 in terms of growth and yield under (T4) CO3 with 1:1 mixture of inorganic and organic fertilizer. The highest (p<0.05) fresh matter yield of 18.07 t/ha, with a dry matter yield of 3.83 t/ha was recorded in the sole application of inorganic fertilizer. A similar yield was obtained in CO3 with the 1:1 inorganic and organic fertilizer mixture. CO3 showed the highest total ash content (18.44%) on dry matter basis. Hence, farmers can save half of the cost of inorganic fertilizer by using farmyard manure along with half of the recommended dose of inorganic fertilizer for fodder cultivation

Economic study of Binadhan-22 production in some selected areas of Bangladesh

This study was conducted in four districts of Bangladesh, namely Mymensingh, Bogura, Naogaon and Rangpur to estimate the profitability and factors affecting gross return of the variety. This study was based on primary data which were collected from 200 Binadhan-22 growing farmers. In the sampled areas data were collected through pre-designed interview schedule from January-February, 2023. Tabular, descriptive statistics and Cobb-Douglas production function model were used to fulfill the objectives. It was found that Binadhan-22 production is profitable. The average net return per hectare was Tk. 28876. The net return was highest in Rangpur (Tk. 32480/ha) followed by Naogaon (Tk. 28554/ha), Mymensingh (Tk. 27331/ha) and Bogura (Tk. 27139/ha), respectively. Benefit cost ratio was estimated at 1.39 and 2.04 on full cost and variable cost basis. Cobb-Douglas production function was chosen to determine the factor affecting gross return of Binadhan-22 production. All of the factors namely, human labour cost, power tiller cost, seed cost, fertilizer cost, irrigation cost, insecticides cost were statistically significant and positive. The regression coefficients for farming experience and agricultural training under all areas had negative but significant relationship at 5% and 10% level, respectively. The regression coefficient of age was positive and significant at 10% level. Under all areas, the regression coefficients of education and farm size were positive but not significant. Farmers faced some constraints in cultivating of the variety. The first ranked constraint was lack of availability of seeds (93%). Other constraints were lack of training (61%), lack of capital (38%) and lack of technical know-how (16%). In addition to helping farmers use a better combination of inputs that will create higher productivity and return, effective extension services may also assist farmers in cultivating rice in a way that will contribute to food security and self-sufficiency. Bangladesh J. Nuclear Agric, 38(1): 81-91, 2024

Utilisation of Cow Faeces as a Base Material to Making Bokashi Fertiliser to Increase Farmers Income in Balai Hamlet, Taram Village, Harau District

The application of technology in agriculture aims to increase food production through the substitution of traditional farming systems with modern farming systems by utilising more advanced technology. This has an impact on the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, which can cause environmental damage and ultimately reduce agricultural productivity. Processing cow dung into organic fertiliser for crops is an applied technology in the framework of implementing zero waste farming technology. One of the benefits that can be obtained is increased income by reducing the cost of artificial fertiliser needs. Cow faeces as cattle farming waste has not been optimally utilised. Cow faeces are usually piled up by farmers behind or near the cowshed, causing a strong smell (air pollution). The results of the activity of making cow feces bokashi organic fertiliser are very beneficial for farmers as a substitute for inorganic fertiliser; The creation of clean cowshed conditions, and environmentally friendly rice fields.

Medium-term economic impacts of cover crop adoption in Maryland

Cover cropping has the potential to generate private economic benefits to farm operations as well as larger-scale environmental benefits to the broader community. However, cover crop adoption remains limited in the United States (US) (i.e., 4.7 % in 2022 (USDA-NASS, 2024)), primarily due to uncertainty in economic outcomes, with several studies showing potentially negative net returns from cover crop use in the short-term (1–3 years). This study investigates the medium-term (5–7 years) economic impact of cover crop adoption using plot-level data from field experiments in the state of Maryland. The empirical analysis employs ordinary least squares (OLS) statistical models and partial budgeting techniques to achieve the study objective. Our results show that cover crops do not have a statistically significant effect on crop yield, fertilizer costs, or pesticide costs, but we find that cover crop use statistically increases field operation and seed expenses. As a result, the private net return from cover crop adoption in the medium term is generally negative based on the Maryland field trial data used in the analysis. Specifically, the average net return per acre with cover crops is approximately $60-$90 lower for corn and around $60 lower for soybeans compared to fields without cover crops. This empirical finding suggests that public support through incentive payments may help further incentivize cover crop adoption in the US, which can then provide environmental and ecosystem services that are of benefit to the general public.

Improvements in maize N recommendations decreased carbon dioxide equivalence without sacrificing yield

AbstractGlobally, agricultural scientists are challenged with creating, testing, and validating climate‐smart nutrient strategies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions while increasing food security. This study determined maize (Zea mays L.) N recommendations and bias for N‐rate studies conducted in South Dakota using models created for western Minnesota, Iowa, Eastern North Dakota, Nebraska, and South Dakota. From 2019 to 2021, 16 N rate studies were conducted in long‐term no‐tillage (>6 years) fields located in South Dakota. In the randomized block replicated study, the soils were mollisols that were derived in a semi‐arid frigid environment. The economic optimum N rates were calculated using four fertilizer‐to‐maize grain price ratios (4.11, 5.48, 6.85, and 8.23 [$ (kg N)−1] [$ (kg grain)−1]−1). Analysis showed that reducing the yield goal coefficient used in the South Dakota model from 21.4 to 17.9 kg N (Mg grain)−1 reduced the recommended N rate but did not reduce yield. The reduced yield goal coefficient that considered the fertilizer‐to‐maize price ratio also reduced model root mean square error (RMSE), bias, and the estimated partial carbon dioxide equivalence (CO2e) by at least 18%. Nitrogen recommendation models developed for western Minnesota, Iowa, and South Dakota had similar RMSE, bias, and fertilizer recommendations, and adjusting the recommendation based on expected fertilizer cost and maize selling price improved accuracy. This study suggests that yield was not sacrificed by reducing the coefficients from 21.4 to 17.9 kg N (Mg grain)−1 and that recommendations are improved by considering the fertilizer‐to‐maize grain price ratio.

Effects of Mela Organics' New Liquid Fertilizer on Tomato Yield in Semi-Arid Areas of Ethiopia

Soil organic matter depletion is mainly caused by crop residue removal, and low or no application of organic fertilizers often results in nutrient exhaustion and low crop yields. This challenge requires the evaluation of different organic fertilizer resources to provide new alternative fertilizer products to an Ethiopian production system. Based on this fact, an experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of mela organic fertilizer as a supplementary fertilizer to improve the yield of tomatoes under irrigation in the Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia from 2020 to 2021. The experiment consisted of eight treatments (Control, 100% recommended fertilizer, 100% recommended fertilizer + 30 L/ha Mela, 100% recommended fertilizer + 45 L/ha Mela, 75% recommended fertilizer +30 L/ha Mela, 75% recommended fertilizer + 45 L/ha Mela, 50% recommended fertilizer +30 L/ha Mela and 50% recommended fertilizer + 45 L/ha Mela) laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. The results revealed that the highest agronomic yield was obtained by applying the 100% recommended fertilizer + 30 L/ha Mela. However, based on the partial budget analysis, the highest marginal rate of return was obtained from 50% recommended fertilizer + 45 L/ha Mela. Thus, it can be concluded that the application of Mela Organics up to 45 L/ha, integrated with chemical fertilizer applications, can increase tomatoes' economic yields and reduce fertilizer costs.

Estimation of Nutrient Uptake and Available Nutrient Status of Rabi Safflower Through Soil Test Crop Response in Rainfed Ecosystem

Background: Adoption of SSNM is directly affected by cost of fertilizer. Soil test crop response (STCR) concept attribute to contribution of soil and targeted yield level for fertilizer recommendation for a selected crop. This approach is also known as prescription based fertilizer recommendations. It is specific type of soil, climatic condition and specific location. Nutrient requirement is differ for different crops. The available soil nutrients efficient used and added to those available soil nutrients through fertilizers is different for different type of soil geography under a particular set of climatic conditions. Methods: A research experiment was carried out during rabi 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2019-20 at Research Farm of Agronomy, Dr. P.D.K.V, Akola (Maharashtra). Fertilizers were applied based on uptake pattern of crop, target yield levels and soil test values. The experiment was laid out in FRBD-Factorial randomized block design with two factors. Total 15 treatment combinations were formed which replication 4 times. Result: Significantly greater uptake of nitrogen (62.76, 74.67 and 81.89 kg ha-1), phosphorus (19.15, 24.32 and 29.38 kg ha-1), potassium (80.32, 92.14 and 99.18 kg ha-1), sulphur (18.46, 24.10 and 26.03 kg ha-1) and zinc (493.97, 571.01 and 620.91 g ha-1) recorded in treatment where crop supplied with farm yard manure @ 5 t ha-1 than rest of treatments during 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2019-20, respectively. A similar trend was observed in respect of soil nutrient status such as available N, P2O5, K2O, S and Zn. Application of fertilizers through soil test crop response equation with zinc sulphate @ 25 kg ha-1 and Sulphur @ 10 kg ha-1 registered maximum total uptake of nitrogen (66.89, 78.99 and 90.06 kg ha-1), phosphorus (20.78, 25.31 and 31.96 kg ha-1), potassium (86.05, 97.99 and 109.09 kg ha-1), sulphur (20.27, 26.39 and 29.80 kg ha-1) and zinc (537.78, 618.06 and 696.21 g ha-1) than rest of nutrient management treatments during three years of field experiment, respectively. The same trend was observed with respect to available N, P2O5, K2O, S and Zn under respective treatment during three years of experimentation.

EVALUATING THE IMPACT OF ANCHOR BORROWER PROGRAMME ON THE OUTPUT OF RICE FARMERS IN BILLIRI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF GOMBE STATE

This study assessed the impact of the Anchor Borrowers Programme (ABP) on rice farmers' output in Billiri Local Government Area, Gombe State, Nigeria. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the difference-in-difference estimation model. Results showed that rice farming was dominated by male farmers with an average age of 47 years for participants and 48 years for non-participants. About 64.30% of participants received credit from ABP, 61.90% received seeds, and 53.57% received fertilizer. The difference-in-difference estimation had a p-value of 0.033, significant at 5%, indicating that ABP positively impacted rice farmers' output. Additionally, 64.71% of ABP participants cited consumer preference for foreign rice as a major challenge, while 61.63% of non-participants identified high fertilizer costs as a significant constraint. The study recommends enhancing public awareness about the benefits of consuming locally produced rice to boost support for local farmers. It also advises the Nigerian government to reassess fertilizer subsidies to help lower production costs for farmers.

Socio-economic advantages and climate adaptation in sustainable vs. conventional cotton: evidence from Pakistan

Two groups of cotton growers participated in this study; the first, referred as “conventional cotton producers” (CCPs), continues to use traditional techniques. The second group, known as sustainable cotton producers (SCPs), adheres to practices that are socially acceptable, economically feasible, and environment friendly. This study was designed to undertake a thorough socio-economic analysis of CCP and SCP in terms of cost of production, yield, and adaptations for climate change. The data were collected from a total of 275 farming households (138 SCPs and 137 CCPs) from two districts, namely, Bahawalpur and Rajanpur, Punjab, Pakistan. The data were analyzed using the benefit–cost ratio (BCR), paired sampled t-test, and log–log regression model in SPSS. The results of the study revealed that the cost of production for SCP was significantly less than CCP and the value of BCR for SCP is higher than CCP. The results of the study also revealed that the land preparation costs, irrigation costs, and fertilizer and pesticide costs decrease the cotton yield of CCP, while land area owned and picking costs showed no significant influence on the yield of CCP. On the other hand, all cost items except fertilizer cost have a positive impact on CCP’s cotton yield. The results also indicated that SCP farmers adopted more of adaptation practices for climate change than CCP. This study concluded that SCP has significant advantages over CCP. Therefore, it is recommended that the government should prioritize incentives for SCP adoption to enhance yield and environmental sustainability in cotton farming.

Sustainable agriculture made easy: CETARA-NF's self-certification

Consumers can receive guarantees through the certified evaluation tool of agriculture resources analysis of natural farming (CETARA NF) without having to deal with costly third-party certification's entry obstacles or complex participatory guarantee systems. The purpose of this study is to examine the reasons for farmers' engagement in CETARA-NF as well as their experiences and results. 400 farmers randomly interviewed from 4 agroclimatic zones using the well-structured questionnaire from a 135,000 certified farmers list. Most farmers fall under the Two Star category (61.5 %), followed by One Star (28.5 %) and Three Star (10 %). The findings imply that 61 per cent of farmers are transitioning towards natural farming as these farmers have minimised or eliminated the chemical use in their farming practices. Significant factors of adoption for this certification system were increased marketed quantity, chemical fertiliser cost and no certification cost. Also, market access (Rank 1), no cost of certification (Rank 2) and women friendly (Rank 3) recognized as the major advantages of this certification. CETARA-NF can be an alternative certification solution for smallholders by securing the integration of grassroots agroecological cooperation and customs inside natural farming systems, thereby overcoming certification barriers.

Improving Okra Production by Poultry Manure Application in Highland Acid Oxisols of Dschang, Western Cameroon

Problem Statement: Low yields of crops in Sub-saharan Africa are often associated with low soil fertility. However, due to high cost and negative environmental impact of chemical fertilizers, using cheap and readily available organic manures such as poultry manure (PM) has become indispensable. Aim: To evaluate the effect of different rates of PM on soil fertility and the performance of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) in the Cameroon Western Highlands. Methodology: The study was carried out in the field and in the laboratory. The experimental plot (191.25 m2) in the field was designed in a randomized complete block design with six treatments and three replications: 0 t ha-1 of PM (To), 3 t ha-1 of PM (T1), 6 t ha-1 of PM (T2), 9 t ha-1 of PM (T3), 12 t ha-1 of PM (T4), and 250 kg of NPK 12-14-19 (T5). Soil samples were analyzed in the laboratory by standard procedures before and after treatment. Results: Treatment T0 had a clay loam texture, acidic pH (5.4), relatively high organic carbon content (1.92%), moderate total nitrogen (0.33%) and moderate available phosphorus (36.07 mg kg-1). The exchangeable complex revealed high K+ (1.02 cmol kg-1), low Ca2+ (2.60 cmol kg-1) and Mg2+ (1.04 cmol kg-1), average Na+ (0.33 cmol kg-1). After treatment, soil pHH2O, available phosphorus and exchangeable K, Ca, and Mg increased after harvest whereas Na decreased for all the treatments. The effect of the treatments on growth parameters was such that T3>T4>T1>T5>T2>T0. The global trend of yield parameters was such that T3>T4>T5>T1>T0>T2. Economically, treatments T3, T4, and T5 were profitable and recommendable for popularization, with a benefit-to-cost-ratio (BCR) >2. The most economically viable treatment was T3 with a profit rate (PR) of 601.66% and a BCR value of 7.02, while T2 was the least economically viable treatment with a negative PR of -32.14% and a BCR of -33.67. Conclusion: Farmers in Western highlands can produce okra profitably and sustainably using PM at a rate of 9 tha-1f.

Use of hydroponic fertilizers in growth media for Chlorella vulgaris for producing affordable protein in developing countries

ABSTRACT Chlorella vulgaris (Chlorophyta) stands out as a promising microalga for single-cell protein production, particularly due to its potential to address the need for affordable nutrition in less-developed regions. Given this context, the quest for more economic fertilization methods is essential. Among the viable alternatives, hydroponic fertilizer (HF) emerges as a widely available option, particularly in regions such as Indonesia. Typically, HF is supplied in two distinct forms, powdered Mix-A and Mix-B, to prepare the stock solutions. This study investigates the impact of varying concentrations and stock solution ratios on both the growth rate and biomass yield of C. vulgaris. Additionally, an economic analysis of cultivation activities is conducted, with a specific focus on comparing the feasibility of utilizing hydroponic fertilizer against conventional methods. The findings reveal that specific ratios and concentrations of the tested growth media outperform standard media in promoting the growth rate and biomass yield of cultivated C. vulgaris. Furthermore, the economic analysis assesses two primary cost components: fertilizer and energy. All tested hydroponic media offered a more cost-effective cultivation solution compared to conventional methods, primarily attributed to the lower cost of the hydroponic fertilizers.

Effect of Vermicompost and Vermicompost Tea on Vegetative Growth of Rubber Plants under Nurseries Conditions

Success in rubber growing is linked to the production of vigorous plants in the nursery. However, this cruel stage faces difficulties related to the cost of chemical fertilizer and its availability. This work carried out in 4 localities (Bimbresso, Alépé, Abengourou and Daoukro) in Côte d’Ivoire aimed to improve the production of rubber plant material in nurseries in polyethylene bags using vermicompost and vermicompost tea. The experimental design used is a Fisher block with three treatments and two repetitions. The vermicompost, vermicompost tea and control factors were compared with each other. The addition of vermicompost tea and the control for three months while the addition of vermicompost was done only once. The results indicated that vermicompost tea is the most effective treatment for the vegetative development of plants regardless of the study site. In Bimbresso, the vermicompost tea and vermicompost treatments showed the highest increases with 1.23 and 1.21 mm.month-1, compared to 1.13 mm.month-1 for the control and the highest average values of diameter at the collar. 10.1 mm was obtained with vermicompost tea. Also, the highest rate of graftable plants, grafting success and plants transferable to the field was obtained with vermicompost tea. Likewise, the mortality rate obtained with vermicompost and vermicompost tea was less than 20%. These treatments could be recommended in the production of rubber plant material.