Fertilizer Prices Research Articles

Pemanfaatan Limbah Air Seni Kelinci menjadi Pupuk Organik Cair di Desa Widorkandang, Magetan

Widorokandang Village, Magetan Regency, East Java has potential in agriculture and animal husbandry. The problems faced in agriculture are about the price of fertilizers and the use of inorganic fertilizers in the long term. The alternative of reducing the use of inorganic fertilizers by using organic fertilizers can help to improve soil structure and good nutrients. This is supported by the existence of a rabbit farm in Widorokandang village which produces rabbit urine waste as the main ingredient for making liquid organic fertilizer. The process of making liquid organic fertilizer is done by fermentation which is easy for the community to do. IPB KKN-T students together with rabbit breeders in Widorokandang village made a liquid organic fertilizer product "Growi". This product is expected to help overcome fertilizer problems in Widorokandang village and improve the community's economy. The relative profit value of the "Growi" liquid organic fertilizer business has a value of more than 1 which is a feasible business.

A Vector Error Correction Model to Estimate Potato Supply Response in Colombia

The present study aims to investigate the relationship between potato output supply and potato and fertilizer prices in Colombia using 2003-2018 time series data. Johansen’s cointegration and the vector error correction framework were employed, and Granger and diagnostic tests were performed. The empirical results show a strong causal relationship between the variables and that the signs and the magnitude of coefficients are statistically significant. Potato and fertilizer prices are inelastic, and the speed adjustment coefficient of 70 % implies that it takes a short time for farmers to respond to price movements. It can be concluded that own-price and fertilizer prices are significant in determining output supply responsiveness in both the short and long run.

Long-Term Optimal Management of Rapeseed Cultivation Simulated with the CROPGRO-Canola Model

Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) is an important oilseed crop grown worldwide with a planting area of 6.57 million ha in China, which accounts for about 20% of the world’s total rapeseed planting area. However, in recent years, the planting area in China has decreased by approximately 12.2% due to the low yield and economic benefits. Thus, to ensure oil security, it is necessary to develop high-efficiency cultivation for rapeseed production. Crop growth models are powerful tools to analyze and optimize the yield composition of crops under certain environmental and management conditions. In this study, the CROPGRO-Canola model was first calibrated and evaluated using the rapeseed planting data of four growing seasons in Wuhan with nine nitrogen fertilizer levels (from 120 to 360 kg ha−1) and five planting densities (from 15 to 75 plants m−2). The results indicated that the CROPGRO-Canola model simulated rapeseed growth well under different nitrogen rates and planting densities in China, with a simulation error of 0–3 days for the anthesis and maturity dates and a normalized root mean square error lower than 7.48% for the yield. Furthermore, we optimized the management of rapeseed by calculating the marginal net return under 10 nitrogen rates (from 0 to 360 kg ha−1 at an increasing rate of 40 kg ha−1) and 6 planting densities (from 15 to 90 plant m−2 at an increasing rate of 15 plant m−2) from 1989 to 2019. The results indicated that the long-term optimal nitrogen rate was 120–160 kg N ha−1, and the optimal planting density was 45–75 plants m−2 under normal fertilizer prices. The optimal nitrogen rate decreased with increasing fertilizer price within a reasonable range. In conclusion, long-term rapeseed management can be optimized based on rapeseed and nitrogen cost using long-term weather records and local soil information.

Slow-release-fertilizer maker raises cash

The Florida-based fertilizer maker Anuvia has raised $65.5 million in series D funding to increase production capacity for its slow-release fertilizer. The company breaks down organic waste into amino acids via hydrolysis to make an organic material that binds with plant nutrients. The organic material is then mixed with conventional nutrients, causing them to release over several weeks to maximize efficiency. Fertilizer prices have increased substantially since the summer of 2021 after supply disruptions caused by natural disasters, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the war in Ukraine.

The nutritional regime of the soil and the nitrogen status of plants in the grain-fallow and fruitshifting crop rotations

The main agrotechnical significance of crop rotation is that each crop is placed in the best conditions for its growth and development and at the same time prepares good conditions for the next crop in the crop rotation. Under optimal cultivation conditions and a high level of mineral nutrition, the grain yield of modern wheat varieties reaches 18.4 c/ha. In real economic conditions, when high prices for mineral fertilizers limit their use, the yield of spring wheat grain in the Kostanay region is 11.2 c/ha. In the experiment, 2 types of crop rotations were studied — 4-course grain-fallow (fallow— wheat — wheat — wheat) and 4-course fruit-shifting (peas — wheat — oilseed flax — wheat). On each crop rotation variants with different levels of mineral nutrition were laid — without fertilizers (control) and P15. Seeding rate of agricultural crops (million/ha of germinating seeds): spring wheat — 3.0; peas — 1.0; oilseed flax — 6.0. The experiment adopted the technology of tillage — No-till with elements of precision farming. All records and observations were carried out according to standard methods. The analysis of the dynamics of the food regime of the soil indicates that the best conditions for mineral nutrition of plants are created when placing crops in a grain-fallow crop rotation, which includes herbicidal steam with long-term annual application of mineral fertilizers. Thus, in the soil layer of 0–40 cm on the first wheat after fallow, the content of nitrate nitrogen was characterized as average and amounted to 11.9–12.8 mg/kg, the content of mobile phosphorus had increased and amounted to 121 mg/kg of soil. In terms of the effectiveness of the use of options for the purpose of regulating the food regime, it is necessary to distinguish all three wheat fields in the grain-fallow crop rotation. Here, the highest indicator in the earing phase — above the control by 6.1–14.7% — was in variants with the use of fertilizer in rows.

Analysis of Corn Supply in North Sumatra Province

Knowledge of the magnitude of the influence of factors that affect supply can be used to estimate the amount of corn supply. Corn in North Sumatra Province also has an important role for the government, corn producers, and corn consumers. The availability of planting land, production and prices of corn that always change every year, this will affect the supply of corn in North Sumatra Province. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of maize prices in year t, maize prices in the previous year, maize harvested area, and urea fertilizer prices on maize supply in North Sumatra Province and analyze the short-term and long-term supply elasticity of maize in North Sumatra Province. The research method used is distributed lagmodel analysis. The results of this study are the price of corn the previous year (Pjt-1) with a probability value of 0.0143 and the area of harvest (Lpj) with a probability value of 0.0130 have asignificant effect on corn supply in North Sumatra Province (Sjt). While the price of corn in year t (Pjt) with a probability value of 0.8511 and the price of urea fertilizer (Hpu) with a probability value of0.2764 did not significantly affect the supply of corn in North Sumatra Province. The short-term elasticity is 0.050244 < 1, which means that every 1% change in the price of corn will increase the supply of corn by 0.05% and in the long run0.706585 <1, which means that every 1% change in the price of corn will increase the supply of corn by 0.71% is inelastic to the supply of corn in North Sumatra Province. Keywords: Elasticity, Corn and Supply.

Economic feasibility and sustainability of commercial bioethanol from microalgal biomass: The case of Malaysia

Malaysia fosters its economic growth with fossil fuels, which are not sustainable and raise atmospheric carbon dioxide. This study aims to assess the economic feasibility and sustainability of Chlorella vulgaris to create bioethanol for the transportation sector. A partial equilibrium model of the Malaysian agricultural markets is modified to include algal farms. The model forecasts agricultural prices, quantities, employment, fertiliser usage, and greenhouse gas emissions. The results suggest the algal farms produce 47.38 million litres of bioethanol in 2024 and peak at 163.67 million litres in 2044 for $0.65 per litre. This bioethanol offsets 0.11 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions from the transportation sector in 2024, which grows to 0.37 million tons in 2044. The microalga consumes the flue gas of coal and natural gas electric power plants – 0.31 million metric tons of carbon dioxide in 2024 and 1.09 million tons in 2044. The algal farms also sell dried slurry to the animal feed markets, which offsets the algal farm's high costs. The algal farms slightly raise Malaysia's agricultural commodity and fertiliser prices while boosting agricultural employment. The Malaysian government should subsidise algal bioethanol at $0.12 per litre.

A biochemical study on the growth traits of Vigna radiata (Green gram) influenced by Gunapaselam (Fermented Fish waste) - An approach to marine waste management

Effective methods are necessary to utilize the discarded waste from the fishery industry. The sustainable agriculture emphasizes the importance of recycling organic wastes to minimize the damages caused by mineral fertilizers and the sky-rocketing price of chemical fertilizers. A study was conducted to assess the fertilizing potential of fermented fish waste - Gunapaselam (GP) on the growth traits of mung bean (Vigna radiata). The study groups include Group I (water treatment/ without fertilizer), Group II (chemical fertilizer – NPKS (1:2:1:0.8)) and Group III (GP - 1:100 fold diluted). The performance of the crop was adjudged in terms of growth traits like germination percentage, trifoliate emergence rate, leaf area, number of branches and leaves, number of lateral roots, flowering time and developmental stages of nodules. Except for germination percentage, all the growth traits were significantly improved by GP treatment. GP improved the growth of green gram probably by providing the essential nutrients and enhancing their availability and effective absorption than the chemical fertilizers. The study also revealed that GP influences the beneficial soil microbes and makes the rhizosphere suitable to facilitate nodule formation. It can be concluded from the findings that GP has a pronounced effect on growth traits of Vigna radiata and it can replace chemical fertilizers in the future.

Can Banding Reduce Phosphorus Rates and Environmental Losses?

Can we reduce phosphorus (P) rates and loss to the environment by banding? The thinking goes that any system that places P fertilizer below the surface without significantly increasing soil erosion will reduce P losses to the environment. Can application rates be reduced? The short answer is “it depends.” Decades of related research have conflicting conclusions. It’s of particular interest due to fertilizer prices and because agriculture is in the hot seat to cut P and nitrogen (N) losses to water bodies. Efficiencies from banding phosphorus (P) do exist in corn at very low soil‐test P levels, where cool or wet conditions limit root growth and nutrient uptake, and in soils that make applied P less available. Earn 1 CEU in Nutrient Management by reading the article and taking the quiz at https://web.sciencesocieties.org/Learning‐Center/Courses.

POTENSI PEMANFAATAN SAMPAH DALAM MEWUJUDKAN PENGELOLAAN SAMPAH TERPADU DI UNIVERSITAS NAHDLATUL ULAMA NUSA TENGGARA BARAT

UNU NTB campus activities produces inorganic and organic waste. The potential waste amount increasing provides an opportunity for managers to recyle waste into products of economic and environmental value. The purpose of this study to analyze the generation and composition of waste at UNU NTB which is the basic information for conducting integrated waste management. Field observations were made to analyze the amount of waste generated, the weight of the waste, and the percentage of waste composition. The waste generation at UNU NTB reaches 47 liters/day and the weight of waste reaches 3.74 kg/day. The composition of waste at UNU NTB consists of 77% inorganic waste and 23% organic waste. UNU NTB has 773.1 kg/year of plastic waste which generates an economic potential of IDR 2,551,190. Paper waste as much as 326.8 kg/year generates economic potential of Rp. 196,086. Organic waste is analyzed for recycling potential by recyleing organic waste into compost. The economic potential of waste is analyzed based on the price of waste at the UNU NTB Waste Bank. Organic waste at UNU NTB reaches 330.5 kg/year which has an economic potential of Rp. 1,982,880/year with reference to the market price of compost fertilizer of Rp. 6,000/kg. The potential for recycling organic waste into compost is 44 kg/year.

Dissection of social interaction and community engagement of smallholder oil palm in reducing conflict using soft system methodology

Abstract Many impacts occur due to oil palm cultivation. One of them is a conflict that occurred in some regions, especially in Jambi Province in Indonesia. Most of the conflicts that occurred are related to natural resources. Disputes can be more complicated when there is any part of the land belongs to the government. Commonly, 30% of the plantations is owned by plasma land, while the remaining 70% is owned by nucleus land. Conflicts occurred due to the smallholders’ position, which is a weak party in land tenure. The smallholders’ low income was partly due to the high price of fertilizers, the toke’s (middleman) low price, and related transportation problems. Differences in individual perceptions are also one of the conflicts that occur. The purpose of this study was to understand more deeply the conflict between smallholders, especially independent smallholders, and the company oil palm that occurred. By using soft system method-based action research, real-world primary data were collected through in-depth interviews with stakeholders (local government, smallholders, companies, and NGO activists) in Jambi. This article found that this system is also implemented in oil palm plantations in Indonesia. Independent smallholder oil palms also consider that community engagement should be involved as a learning effort. Therefore, social interaction and community involvement, through approaches with the government, companies, and oil palm planters in forms of social interaction and training, need to be applied to minimize oil palm conflicts. It is suggested that further research can provide a study, explanation, and implementation of existing policies so that the obligations and rights of smallholder oil palms and plantation companies do not cause oil palm conflicts.

A Training of Organic Fertilizer Preparation from Wasted Rice Straw in Rice Caltivation Area-Nagari Dilam, Bukit Sundi District, Solok Regency

Abstract – Rice is one of the national mainstay commodities that have an important role in the Indonesian economy, which is also a mainstay crop commodity in Solok Regency. Solok Regency is famous for its high quality rice. Nagari Dilam, Bukit Sundi District, as a village with a large rice commodity in Solok Regency, most of the residents have a livelihood as rice farmers. To obtain good yields, the material that is needed during the planting process is fertilizer. However, fertilizer problems almost always appear every year in this area. In the last 2 years, farmers have complained due to these problems, including the price of commercial inorganic fertilizers (Urea, SP36, KCl, ZA) which tends to increase. In addition, without realizing it, the intensive use of commercial inorganic fertilizers can cause a decrease in soil fertility and soil organic matter decreases. The idea of using wasted straw came up as a way to solve these problem to prodice orgnic fertilizer. A training in preparation of organic fertilizer from wasted straw has been conducted in Nagari Dilam. The produced organic fertilizer has been characterized for N, P,K containing subtance. The fertilizer contains 0.030%, 4.563% and 1.369% of N, P, and K respectively.
 
 Keywords Organic, Fertilizer, Wasted Straw, Rice

Determinants of Maize Productivity: Evidence from Smallholder Maize Farmers in Gudeya Bila District, Ethiopia

Agriculture is the center stage in the economic policy development of Ethiopia. The agricultural sector in Ethiopia is characterized by low maize productivity due to backward technology adoption. Agriculture plays a crucial role in the economic development of a country; without achieving substantial enhancement in agricultural production and productivity, no country has moved to the take-off stage of economic development. The general objective of the study is to assess the determinants of maize crop productivity in the Gudeya Bila District. The study aims to investigate the determinants of maize productivity in the study area. The primary and secondary data were collected from 100 maize growers in the study location during 2018/19. Descriptive statistics and econometric methods were developed for the data analysis. Qualitative and quantitative primary data were developed. To get the required primary data questionnaires, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions were used. For the data analysis, Ordinary Least Square Model (OLS) was employed. The study found that sex, landholding, number of oxen, fertilizers, family size, educational status, the fair price of output, and improved seed were positively influencing maize production and productivity; whereas age, the acidity of land, and credit were negatively influencing maize production and productivity in the study area. The study recommended that the stallholder farmers should be enhanced the use of oxen, fertilizer, improved seed, knowledge, and fair price of output to enhance maize productivity. Therefore, concern bodies should give important attention to maize production and productivity, which in turn increase smallholder income. Keywords: Agriculture, Maize crop, OLS, Productivity, Smallholder farmers, Ethiopia DOI: 10.7176/RHSS/12-7-02 Publication date: April 30 th 2022

Analysis of Factors Affecting the Supply of Onion in Brebes Regency

This analysis of the supply of onion in Brebes Regency is done using the methods of descriptive and analytic, and secondary data time series for 21 years (1998-2018). This study also utilizes the analysis of multiple linear by entering the model analysis of the distributed lag model with adjustment Nerlove (Partial Adjustment Model). The supply function is estimated with the approach of total production. The results of the multiple linear regression analysis obtained the factors that affect positively to the offer of onion in Brebes Regency is a vast harvest of onion in year t, the number of onion production in year t-1, the price of onions in year t-1, the price of garlic in year t-1, the average rainfall in year t, and interest rate in year t. The factor that negatively affects the offer is the price of urea fertilizer in year t. The most influential factor to the offer of onion in Brebes Regency is a vast harvest of onion in year t with the standardized regression coefficient of 0,889. The elasticity of supply for the area variable harvesting onions in year t is positive and is elastic with E>1, namely 1,328 for the short-term and 1,832 for the long term. Elasticity is inelastic with E value<1 is a variable amount of production in the previous year i.e. 0,275 short-term and 0,379 long-term prices of garlic in the previous year with a value of 0,105 short-term and of 0.145 long-term, the price of onions in the previous year with a value of -0,143 short-term and -0,197 the long term, the interest rate in year t, namely 0,136 and 0,188, and the average rainfall in year t with the value of -0,218 short-term and -0,301 the long term.

Factors Driving the Adoption of Coping Strategies to Market Risks of Shrimp Farmers: A Case Study in a Coastal Province of Vietnam

Shrimp farmers in Vietnam respond passively to market risks, such as input and output price shocks. This study provides a better understanding of market risks, risk management strategies adopted by shrimp farmers, the factors driving their choice of strategies, and how such strategies affect farm performance. Random sampling was used to collect information from a sample of 246 shrimp farmers. Several analytical methods were combined, including descriptive analysis, coefficient of variance estimation for market risks, and a logistic regression model to uncover factors behind farmers’ decisions to adopt risk management strategies. To cope with market risks, shrimp farmers frequently adopt two risk management strategies: changes in farming technology and practices, and agricultural input contracts. Overall, 54.9% of shrimp farmers only used a single strategy, whereas the others used combined risk management strategies. Age, farm size, membership in a farmers association, participation in training, gender, price of output, price of seed, price of fertilizer, distance from farm to the market center, and shrimp type were identified as factors driving the probability of using combined risk management strategies.

Controlled-release and stabilized fertilizers are equivalent options to split application of ammonium nitrate in a double maize-oats cropping system

The application of fertilizers as a topdressing in maize raises serious concerns because too much fertilizer is retained in the upper leaves, causing burning to the tissues. In this study, the use of a controlled-release and a stabilized fertilizer (with 3, 4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate) was compared with the application of a conventional fertilizer split into two equivalent applications in a forage maize-oats cropping system. In maize, 100 and 200 kg N ha−1 of different fertilizers were used in addition to an unfertilized control. The oat crop was not fertilized, since it served only as a winter catch crop. Maize dry matter (DM) yield increased significantly with N rate only in 2019, being the second growing season, with the control showing the lowest average value (7.1 t ha−1). The most fertilized treatments (200 kg N ha−1) gave the highest DM yields, ranging between 14.2 and 16.7 t ha−1, but with no significant differences between them. Oats had a relevant role as a catch crop recovering residual N that could have potentially been lost from the soil. Stalk nitrate concentration proved to be very sensitive to N fertilization (varying from 150.4 to 1945.6 mg kg−1 in 2018 and 494.9 to 1574.9 mg kg−1 in 2019), showing great potential as a tool of N management. These three fertilization strategies seem to be valid options that farmers can consider, after incorporating technical-economic information related to equipment suitability and the price of fertilizers.

Yields and Yield Gaps in Lowland Rice Systems and Options to Improve Smallholder Production

Increasing productivity per unit area, hence closing the yield gap, is key to meeting cereal demand in sub-Saharan Africa. We assessed, with 114 farmers, the contribution of recommended agronomic practices (RAP) with or without NPK fertilization on yield gaps, and options to intensify productivity. Treatments included farmers’ practice (FP) as control, RAP with and without NPK, and farmer-selected best practices geared towards intensification (farmers’ intensification practice, FIP). RAP without fertilization and FIP significantly increased grain yield, each by ca. 12%, whereas RAP+NPK application produced ca. 33% extra yield, over FP. RAP gave the highest mean net income (ca. USD 220 ha−1), fertilizer costs made RAP+NPK gave the lowest mean net income (ca. USD 50 ha−1). Weeding and fertilization timing contributed most to yield variation among fields. Delay in weeding and fertilization created an average yield loss of 5.3 and 1.9 g m−2, per day delay, respectively. Exploitable yield gap averaged 24 and 29%, respectively, across treatments and under FP. RAP, FIP, and RAP+NPK reduced the exploitable yield gap to 25, 26, and 12%, respectively. We conclude that different yield gap levels can be exploited by smallholder farmers in lowland rice systems as RAP, FIP, and RAP+NPK allow yield gap reduction, although fertilization poses a risk to profit at current rice and fertilizer prices. To realize yield gains, farmers with good water management should combine timely weeding with other crop management practices.

IMPACT OF NITROGEN TAX ON NITROGEN USE IN LITHUANIA

The use of nitrogen fertilizers inevitably causes external negative effects that can be mitigated by various means. This study focusses on tax of mineral nitrogen fertilizer. A study “Farmers' Response to Rise in Mineral Fertilizer Price” investigates the potential response of farmers to a possible tax on mineral nitrogen fertilizer use in Lithuania. Used survey method of data collection, therefore, a questionnaire was conducted to ask farmers, how they would adapt their fertilizer practice to a mineral nitrogen fertilizer tax. Research object: the impact of the nitrogen tax on nitrogen use. Research aim: to identify farmers’ response to changed prices for nitrogen fertilizer. Farmer’s responds were used to model the reaction of farmers to a tax. The obtained results showed a negative reaction in terms of mineral nitrogen fertilizer use to the rise in mineral fertilizer price. Furthermore, farmers tended to switch to crops with lower nitrogen fertilizer requirements. Price elasticity of demand for mineral fertilizers founded inelastic.

Exploring Farm Anaerobic Digester Economic Viability in a Time of Policy Change in the UK

The combination of a post-Brexit agricultural policy, the Global Methane Pledge announced during the last United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow (COP26), and urgency of meeting climate goals means the UK has a unique opportunity to create an exemplar through recognition of the benefits of small-scale farm anaerobic digesters that valorise on-site wastes for renewable electricity and heat, cushioning agri-businesses against energy perturbations. To explore economic viability of farm-based biogas production, combinations of support levels, energy prices, capital cost, internal rate of return (IRR), and digestate value were analysed, employing a 550-cow dairy farm with access to other agricultural wastes. A 145 kWe system utilising 100% of CHP electricity (grid value: £0.1361 per kWh) and 70% of the heat (heating oil value: £0.055 per kWh) could achieve an IRR above 15.5% with a median electricity tariff of £0.1104 per kWh at a heat tariff from £0.0309 to £0.0873 per kWh thermal. Under a subsidy-free regime, the same system could achieve a 10% IRR with electricity prices in the range £0.149 to £0.261 per kWh. High fertiliser prices could increase digestate value, further improving viability. With late-2021 high energy prices, the technology approaches subsidy-free viability, but uptake is unlikely unless wider environmental and societal benefits of on-farm systems can be explicitly valued.

Development of a decision-making application for optimum soybean and maize fertilization strategies in Mato Grosso

Mato Grosso accounts for 25 and 31% of soybean and maize grain production in Brazil, respectively. Despite the importance of this region, there is limited information to optimize fertilization management decisions for these crops. Our objectives were to i) quantify soybean and maize yield response to fertilization, ii) develop prediction algorithms to prescribe recommendations based on site characteristics, and iii) incorporate these algorithms in a decision-making application. A total of 37 soybean and 27 maize field trials (year by site combinations) were conducted to test yield responses of soybean to phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), and maize responses to nitrogen (N) and K. Soybean and maize showed significant yield increments to applied P and N, respectively, but K fertilization showed minor yield effects in both crops (and was not considered further). Yield responses to P and N in soybean and maize, respectively, were highly variable across environments, and non-linear mixed model analysis was used to test co-variates to optimize yield response predictions. Including soil pH and initial soil P for soybean, and planting date and soil clay for maize, helped reduce a significant fraction of the site-to-site random variation. Soybean yield response to P increased in soils with higher pH values, agreeing with the concept of more mineral P retention in acidic soils. Maize showed lower N fertilization yield responses in later plantings dates, agreeing with higher water stress typical of late plantings. Out-of-sample relative root mean square error (rRMSE) of predictions were 15.9 and 19.5% for soybean and maize, respectively, showing the model has adequate accuracy to predict crop yield responses to nutrient fertilizations across the region. These algorithms were incorporated in a user-friendly web application to facilitate utilization, and dynamically calculates optimum fertilization rates including economic inputs such as grain and fertilizer prices. Our field results provide basic information to optimize fertilization rates for soybean and maize in Mato Grosso and are available for management decisions through a web application.