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Unlocking Africa’s Food Systems: Why Phosphorus Management Is Central to Sustainable Intensification
Phosphorus deficiency severely limits crop productivity in Africa, threatening food security and sustainability. Current application rates are far below global needs, requiring a five-fold increase. Solutions include improving fertilizer access, reducing supply chain costs, and adopting 4R Nutrient Stewardship for efficient, context-specific phosphorus use to restore soil health and resilience.
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Enhancing Global Phosphorus Efficiency Along the Mining–Use–Recovery Pathway
Innovative strategies to improve phosphorus efficiency along the mining–use–recovery pathway are highlighted through the approaches developed by OCP Group and UM6P’s Geology & Sustainable Mining Institute. Key measures include advanced orebody modeling for selective extraction, sensor-based ore sorting, water recycling, and desalination. Near-zero-waste mining creates value from low-grade ores and legacy waste that are integrated with circular economy principles and mine rehabilitation. These approaches offer a roadmap for sustainable phosphate management and environmental stewardship.
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Managing Phosphorus for Profitable and Sustainable Crop Production in Africa
Phosphorus is vital for crop productivity in Africa but limited by low soil reserves, strong fixation, and poor recovery. The article emphasizes improving phosphorus use efficiency through 4R Nutrient Stewardship, soil management, and crop breeding innovations. Site-specific strategies and integrated approaches are essential for sustainable yields and food security.
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Innovating Locally Adapted Solutions for Sustainable Phosphorus Use in Africa
An Integrated Phosphorus 4R Management Framework that links source, rate, timing and placement considerations to productivity, profitability, and long term sustainability is proposed for increasing P use and enabling efficient and sustainable phosphorus management.
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Zinc Fertilization Strategies for Enhanced Rice Production in Tanzania
The study evaluates zinc fertilization strategies to improve rice yield in Tanzania’s Kilombero district. Field trials compared Zn sources, rates, and application methods under rain-fed and irrigated conditions. Soil-applied ZnSO. and foliar ZnSO. within a NPKS fertilizer blend were most optimal in terms of yield and in addressing the issues of widespread Zn deficiency and food security. A participatory approach enabled researchers and farmers to work together and collect data and observe rice performance under different zinc and microbial fertilizer rates and regimes in Kisawasawa village, Kilombero District, Tanzania.
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2025 Annual Photo Contest Results
We’re excited to announce the results of our annual photo contest! Thank you for the incredible submissions from across Africa. Your participation helps us showcase nutrient deficiency examples and plant nutrition research, raising awareness about healthy soils and crops, and sharing interesting activities and perspectives about agricultural R&D in Africa.
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Short-term Effects of Legume-based Cropping Systems and Residue Management on Soil Fertility in Malawi
Researchers focused on the short-term effects of legume planting pattern and residue management practices (i.e., incorporation immediately after harvest and mulching) on soil fertility status in contrasting environments and soils in Malawi. Results revealed substantial increase in soil nitrogen and phosphorus which would eventually improve soil health and reduce mineral fertilizer requirements for subsequent crops.
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Nitrogen Dynamics under Cowpea–Pigeon Pea Intercropping and Residue Management in Malawi’s Drought Prone Areas
Soil nitrogen depletion remains a critical barrier to sustainable crop production in Malawi’s drought-prone smallholder farming systems. This study investigated the influence of cowpea– pigeon pea intercropping and residue management on soil nitrogen dynamics. Result show strengthened nitrogen cycling through biological nitrogen fixation, improved residue quality, and increased residue biomass. This integrated approach provides a climate-smart pathway to restore soil fertility and enhance the resilience and productivity of smallholder farming systems in Malawi’s drought-affected regions.
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When Less is More: Optimizing Fertilizer Use under Water Deficit to Enhance Olive Tree Productivity and Resilience
Failing to adjust fertilization may worsen the impact of water stress. A Moroccan olive study reveals that reasonable reductions in NPK supply under deficit irrigation can sustain high yield levels, fruit physical quality, and olive oil composition. The oil produced under these conditions was richer in health-promoting compounds thus boosting long-term value. The key for growers facing climate change is finding a sustainable balance that enhances tree resilience without severely compromising yield and oil quality.
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Agricultural Development in Maize and Rice: Yield-Area Dynamics, Agronomic Strategies, and 4R Nutrient Management Opportunities
Maize and rice exhibit distinct trajectories. World Maize shifted from intensification to extensification, reflecting a move from technology-driven gains to land-based growth. World Rice has maintained intensification, likely due to land constraints in key regions. These differences highlight how crop biology, growing conditions, and socio-economic factors shape agricultural strategies.
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Share your Snapshots (Vol 4 Issue 2)
On-farm innovation with farmers and NARS staff for Sustainable Nutrient Management, identifying nutrient deficiencies and demonstrating the importance of soil testing and yield response for site-specific fertilizer recommendations in Dibri-Assirikro, Department of Sakassou, Central Region of Cote d’Ivoire.
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Our Current Issue
Precision Nutrient Management topics including: Implementing the African Professional Certified Agronomy Advisory Program; Comparing Laboratory and Remote Sensing Methods for Soil Nutrients; Advancing Agricultural Sustainability through Collaborative Data Growth; and more inside!
