Fertilizer Best Management Practices: A Perspective from the Dryland West Asia–North Africa Region

Abstract

Chemical fertilizer use has contributed significantly to increased global food output in the past half century, especially in climatically favourable regions of the world. However, in drier agro‐ecological zones, such as in West Asia and North Africa (WANA) with a Mediterranean‐type climate, fertilizer use has been low but has increased rapidly in the past few decades. Chemical fertilizer use is now widely adopted in rainfed and irrigated agriculture. As elsewhere, fertilizer use is underpinned by concerns about biological and economic efficiency. Fertilizer use efficiency is central to the current concept of fertilizer best management practices (FBMP), which embraces right source, right place, right timing and right application method. In this brief review, we highlight such FBMP concepts as related to agriculture of the WANA region, with emphasis on the key nutrients for crop production. Rainfall has a dominant influence on dryland crop yields. Nitrogen (N) use efficiency increases with increasing rainfall and is influenced by crop rotation. Under rainfed conditions, modest N losses by volatilization can occur. Leaching losses are usually minimal. Phosphorus use (P) efficiency is higher with band application than with broadcasting. Balanced fertilization, especially involving potassium (K) and micronutrients, is fundamental to efficient nutrient use. Fertilizer efficiency is also influenced by soil test values and agronomic factors that influence crop yields, e.g. sowing date and varietal differences. Rational fertilizer application rates are guided by calibration–response trials. Effective fertilizer use in the region is also dictated by external factors such as government policies and a functioning extension service. In contrast to other regions of the world, environmental impacts from the overuse of fertilizers are relatively minor, while developments in fertilizer formulations that promote efficiency have yet to have impact. Despite the relatively low fertilizer use intensity in dryland areas such as the WANA region, the FBMP comprehensive approach is a logical framework within which to achieve the most efficient management and use of fertilizer in the region’s agriculture.

A Review of Nutrient Management Studies Involving Finger Millet in the Semi-Arid Tropics of Asia and Africa

“…As soil fertility varies from field to field, fertilizer recommendations based on a soil test will be ideal in order to maximize yield while enhancing fertilizer use efficiency. Best-management fertilizer practices, which involve the identification of the right source, right place, right timing, and right application method [76] will also lead to more efficient management of fertilizers in finger millet systems.…”

Effects of Enzymatic Biofertiliser on Growth and Yield of Lentil Genotypes under Deficit Irrigation/ Enzimatisko Biomçslojumu Ietekme Uz Daþâdu Lçcu Genotipu Augðanu Un Raþu Irigâcijas Trûkuma Apstâkïos

“…Although application of the biofertiliser slightly improved the grain yield of lentil plants, its effect on growth was not as considerable as for chemical fertiliser, reported by other researchers (Tomar et al, 2000;Ryan et al, 2012). Limited effectiveness of biofertiliser based on enzymes or growth regulators is probably caused by inappropriate environmental conditions (Ryan et al, 1985;Zhu et al, 2012).…”

“…Section B, Vol. 68 (2014) some fundamental principles of using fertilisers, like as right source, right place, right timing and right application method, should be considered (Ryan et al, 2012). Biological fertilisers have been found to increase crop yield and prevent micro or macro-nutrients loss, thus encouraging the sustainable development of the agriculture industry.…”

Effect of Phosphorus, and Zinc on Growth, Yield and Economics of Chickpea (Cicer aritinum L.)

“…P and Zn facilitate the availability of each other for crop plants (Ryan et al, 2012). Similarly zinc is also an important micro nutrient element which increases resistance to disease in plant.…”