fertilizers

This ARF project has been finalized and research findings are available in this final factsheet. Main results include: producing biochar-based fertilizer on small farms was easy to learn; and yield benefits were large and consistent across crop types and production methods. »

This research report presents results of a search for policies and conditions that can help accelerate agricultural development in Africa. This development has been limited in many countries, as evinced by extreme low fertilizer use, low crop yields, poverty and high food insecurity. A hopeful tendency emerges from this study: African agricultural development is taking off in response to population growth, as is shown by the cereal yield and fertilizer use adoption trends in many countries. »

Please download the factsheet with end results of the Applied Research Fund Call 2 project. »

This research assessed the impact of the main factors contributing to yield improvement of potatoes: improved varieties, healthier seed, better stored seed, late blight disease control and fertilisation. It was shown that it is possible to double yields and economic returns under the growing conditions in Burundi when growers plant healthy pre-sprouted seed of a new variety and apply chemical fertilisers and fungicides. »

This publication evaluates a soil scanner in Kenya, to identify success factors, possible bottlenecks and the added value of innovative soil testing services for farmers. Farmers indicated positive experiences with the scan, but it takes at least six months of investing to get these results. A critical success factor for the implementation of soil scanner services, are the management and board of a cooperative »

This systematic review evaluates the impact of input subsidies on agricultural productivity, beneficiary incomes and welfare, consumer welfare and wider economic growth. Results show that subsidized fertilizers and seeds are associated with increased use of these inputs, higher agricultural yields and increased income. »