Integrated Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrient Management in Tropical Agro-Ecosystems: A Review

doi:10.1016/S1002-0160(17)60382-5

Pedosphere

Volume 27, Issue 4, August 2017, Pages 662-680

https://doi.org/10.1016/S1002-0160(17)60382-5 Get rights and content

Abstract

The greatest challenge for tropical agriculture is land degradation and reduction in soil fertility for sustainable crop and livestock production. Associated problems include soil erosion, nutrient mining, competition for biomass for multiple uses, limited application of inorganic fertilizers, and limited capacity of farmers to recognize the decline in soil quality and its consequences on productivity. Integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) is an approach to improve crop yields, while preserving sustainable and long-term soil fertility through the combined judicious use of fertilizers, recycled organic resources, responsive crop varieties, and improved agronomic practices, which minimize nutrient losses and improve the nutrient-use efficiency of crops. Soil fertility and nutrient management studies in Ethiopia under on-station and on-farm conditions showed that the combined application of inorganic and organic fertilizers significantly increased crop yields compared to either alone in tropical agro-ecosystems. Yield benefits were more apparent when fertilizer application was accompanied by crop rotation, green manuring, or crop residue management. The combination of manure and NP fertilizer could increase wheat and faba bean grain yields by 50%–100%, whereas crop rotation with grain legumes could increase cereal grain yields by up to 200%. Although organic residues are key inputs for soil fertility management, about 85% of these residues is used for livestock feed and energy; thus, there is a need for increasing crop biomass. The main incentive for farmers to adopt ISFM practices is economic benefits. The success of ISFM also depends on research and development institutions to provide technical support, technology adoption, information dissemination, and creation of market incentives for farmers in tropical agro-ecosystems.

References (103)

G Agegnehu et al.
Crop yield, plant nutrient uptake and soil physicochemical properties under organic soil amendments and nitrogen fertilization on Nitisols
Soil Tillage Res
(2016)
G Agegnehu et al.
The effects of biochar, compost and their mixture and nitrogen fertilizer on yield and nitrogen use efficiency of barley grown on a Nitisol in the highlands of Ethiopia
Sci Total Environ
(2016)
J B Aune et al.
Agricultural intensification in the Sahel – The ladder approach
Agric Syst
(2008)
E Betencourt et al.
Intercropping promotes the ability of durum wheat and chickpea to increase rhizosphere phosphorus availability in a low P soil
Soil Biol Biochem
(2012)
M Burger et al.
Microbial immobilization of ammonium and nitrate in relation to ammonification and nitrification rates in organic and conventional cropping systems
Soil Biol Biochem
(2003)
A Castellanos-Navarrete et al.
Feeding, crop residue and manure management for integrated soil fertility management – A case study from Kenya
Agric Syst
(2015)
W R Cookson et al.
The contribution of soil organic matter fractions to carbon and nitrogen mineralization and microbial community size and structure
Soil Biol Biochem
(2005)
A Haileslassie et al.
Assessment of soil nutrient depletion and its spatial variability on smallholders’ mixed farming systems in Ethiopia using partial versus full nutrient balances
Agric Ecosyst Environ
(2005)
N Z Lupwayi et al.
Soil microbial diversity and community structure under wheat as influenced by tillage and crop rotation
Soil Biol Biochem
(1998)
P Mponela et al.
Determinants of integrated soil fertility management technologies adoption by smallholder farmers in the Chinyanja Triangle of Southern Africa
Land Use Policy
(2016)

D Pizzeghello et al.

Phosphorus forms and P-sorption properties in three alkaline soils after long-term mineral and manure applications in north-eastern Italy

Agric Ecosyst Environ

(2011)

F Place et al.

Prospects for integrated soil fertility management using organic and inorganic inputs: Evidence from smallholder African agricultural systems

Food Policy

(2003)

A Taa et al.

Effects of stubble management, tillage and cropping sequence on wheat production in the south-eastern highlands of Ethiopia

Soil Till Res

(2004)

T Tscharntke et al.

Global food security, biodiversity conservation and the future of agricultural intensification

Biol Conserv

(2012)

I P Abrol et al.

Salt-affected Soils and Their Management

(1988)

Africa Fertilizer Summit

Abuja Declaration on Fertilizer for the African Green Revolution

(2006)

G Agegnehu et al.

On-farm integrated soil fertility management in wheat on Nitisols of central Ethiopian highlands

Ethiop J Nat Res

(2005)

G Agegnehu et al.

Phosphorus ferilizer and farmyard manure effects on the growth and yield of faba bean and some soil chemical properties in acidic Nitisols of the central highlands of Ethiopia

Ethiop J Nat Res

(2005)

G Agegnehu et al.

Cropping systems, soil fertility and crop management research on cool-season food legumes in the central highlands of Ehiopia: a review

G Agegnehu et al.

Cropping sequence and nitrogen fertilizer effects on the productivity and quality of malting barley and soil fertility in the Ethiopian highlands

Arch Agron Soil Sci

(2014)

G Agegnehu et al.

Optimization of the efficiency of phosphate fertilizers in acidic-ferralitic soils of the humid tropics

Ethiop J Nat Resource

(2000)

G Agegnehu et al.

The role of phosphorus fertilization on growth and yield of faba bean on acidic Nitisol of central highland of Ethiopia

SINET: Ethiop J Sci

(2007)

G Agegnehu et al.

Evaluation of crop residue retention, compost and inorganic fertilizer application on barley productivity and soil chemical properties in the central Ethiopian highlands

Ethiop J Agric Res

(2012)

G Agegnehu et al.

Influence of integrated soil fertility management in wheat and tef productivity and soil chemical properties in the highland tropical environment

J Soil Sci Plant Nutr

(2014)

G Amanuel et al.

Role of food legumes in cropping system in Ethiopia

G Amanuel et al.

Biological nitrogen fixation in faba bean (Vicia faba L.) in the Ethiopian highlands as affected by P fertilization and inoculation

Biol Fertil Soils

(2000)

T Amede

Managing nutrient on the move within the rural-urban context

T Amede et al.

Biological nitrogen fixation: A key input to integrated soil fertility management in the tropics

A Astatke et al.

Participatory on-farm conservation tillage trial in the ethiopian highland Vertisols: The impact of potassium application on crop yields

Exp Agric

(2004)

A Bationo

Managing Nutrient Cycles to Sustain Soil Fertility in Sub-Saharan Africa

(2004)

A Bationo et al.

The effect of crop residue and fertilizer use on pearl millet yields in niger

Fertil Res

(1993)

Bationo A, Hartemink A, Lungu O, Naimi M, Okoth P, Smaling E, Thiombiano L. 2006. African Soils: Their Productivity and...

A Bationo et al.

Advances in Integrated Soil Fertility Management in Sub-Saharan Africa: Challenges and Opportunities

(2007)

N C Brady et al.

The Nature and Properties of Soils

(2014)

R J Buresh et al.

Replenishing Soil Fertility in Africa. SSSA Special Publication 51

(1997)

Central Statistics Agency (CSA)

Report on Area and Production and Yield of Crops for Private Peasant Holdings for Main Crop Season. Agricultural Sample Survey 2012/2013

(2013)

A Dibabe et al.

The status of micro-nutrient in Nitisols, Vertisols, Cambisols and Fluvisols in major maize, wheat, teff and citrus growing areas of Ethiopia

P Drechsel et al.

Soil nutrient depletion and population growth in sub-Saharan Africa: A Malthusian nexus?

Popul Environ

(2001)

E Eyasu

Is Soil Fertility Declining? Perspectives on Environmental Change in Southern Ethiopia. Managing Africa's Soils: 2

(1998)

M G Farouque et al.

Farmers’ use of integrated soil fertility and nutrient management practices for sustainable crop production: A field-level study in bangladesh

Am J Agric Biol Sci

(2008)

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

FAOSTAT 20-06

(2006)

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

FAOSTAT 20-13

(2013)

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

FAOSTAT 20-15

(2015)

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

FAOSTAT 20-16

(2016)

Z Gebreegziabher

Household fuel consumption and resource use in rural-urban ethiopia

(2007)

K E Giller

Nitrogen Fixation in Tropical Cropping Systems

(2001)

K E Giller et al.

Management of Biological Nitrogen Fixation for the Development of More Productive and Sustainable Agricultural Systems

(1995)

P Gruhn et al.

Integrated Nutrient Management, Soil Fertility, and Sustainable Agriculture: Current Issues and Future Challenges

(2000)

W Haile et al.

Response of Irish potato (Solanum tuberosum) to the application of potassium at acidic soils of Chencha, Southern Ethiopia

Int J Agric Biol

(2011)

Cited by (86)

Insights into the promoting effects of water-soluble amino acid fertilizers on strawberry fruit quality under nitrogen reduction treatment
2024, Scientia Horticulturae
Reasonable chemical nitrogen (N) reduction and water-soluble amino acid fertilizers (WAAF) application can mitigate the negative effects of excessive N supply. Here, we reported that a 30% N reduction (T1) led to attenuated plant growth and decreased fruit quality of strawberries, which could be overwhelmingly restored by additional WAAF application (T2). To explore the underlying mechanism, comparative transcriptomic analysis was performed. Results revealed significant expression changes of genes involved in metabolisms of starch and sucrose, ascorbate and aldarate, carbon (C) and N, glyoxylate and dicarboxylate and so on. In consistence with the increased ascorbic acid (AsA) content and sugar/acid ratio, WAAF application upregulated GLDH, SPS and β-GE genes and downregulated APX, ICL and MS genes. Additionally, the differential expression of PK, IDH, GDH and SPX was consistent with the shift from C flux to N metabolism and the improved phosphorus (P) accumulation resulted from WAAF application. Our study will be helpful for understanding the effect of N reduction and WAAF application on strawberry fruit quality.
Application of Italian ryegrass residue changes the soil biochemical properties and bacterial communities in Southern China
2024, Applied Soil Ecology
Green manure application is a feasible agricultural practice to effectively improve soil fertility. However, our understanding of the effects and mechanisms of different green manure residue amounts on soil fertility improvement remains insufficient. Regarding a new type of Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum L.)-rice (Oryza sativa L.) rotation (IRR) system in Southern China, the effects of six Italian ryegrass residue amounts (IRR0: 15,700 kg·ha⁻¹, IRR1: 30,700 kg·ha⁻¹, IRR2: 35,400 kg·ha⁻¹, IRR3: 40,100 kg·ha⁻¹, IRR4: 44,800 kg·ha⁻¹, IRR5: 49,500 kg·ha⁻¹) on the soil nutrient contents, soil enzyme activities, and bacterial communities were evaluated. Compared to the CK, appropriate amounts of Italian ryegrass residue application increased total nitrogen (36.45–37.38 %), soil organic carbon (15.34–26.55 %), microbial biomass carbon (14.07–33.93 %) and microbial biomass nitrogen (30.20–47.65 %) (P < 0.05). The activities of soil polyphenol oxidase, urease, β-glucosidase, peroxidase, cellulase, and total enzyme were also improved significantly in comparison with the CK (P < 0.05). Bacterial community structures in response to IRR were different from those in the CK. The application of Italian ryegrass residue significantly enhanced the relative abundance of beneficial taxa, including Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas, and Arenimonas (P < 0.05). The 30,700–35,400 kg·ha⁻¹ Italian ryegrass residue exhibited the most practical amounts for enhancing soil fertility, soil enzyme activities, and altering soil microbial communities, suggesting that the improvement effects of green manure application on soil were dependent on the residue returning amounts. These findings suggest that the returning of Italian ryegrass residue is an effective land management measure to realize efficient and sustainable utilization of paddy fields.
Soil property and crop yield responses to variation in land use and topographic position: Case study from southern highland of Ethiopia
2024, Heliyon
Understanding soil property and crop yield responses to variations in land use and topographic gradient is vital for designing targeted soil and agronomic management practices. This study investigated the interrelationships between land use, topographic position, soil properties, and crop yield. Three replicates of three land use types - enset agroforestry, cropland (annual crop), and grazing land - were selected along a toposequence (upper, middle and lower) for the study. A total of 54 composite soil samples were collected and analyzed. Grain yield and above ground biomass were also gathered from the cropland and analyzed. Soil profile descriptions revealed notable variations in soil physical properties, including soil texture, bulk density, color, horizons, and depth among the pedons of the three topographic positions. Clay and silt fractions exhibited significant differences between land uses and topographic positions, while the sand fraction was influenced by topographic position alone. Crop and grazing lands displayed higher clay content compared to the enset field. A decreasing trend in clay fraction was observed from upper to lower topographic positions. The enset field had significantly higher soil pH, OC, TN, and K+ contents than crop field. A significantly higher available P of 16.61 mg kg⁻¹ was measured from lower slope position followed by 14.08 mg kg⁻¹ in middle slope. The upper slope position had the highest exchangeable acidity of 3.09 cmol(+) kg⁻¹), followed by middle slope with 2.77 cmol(+) kg⁻¹), 2.45 cmol(+) kg⁻¹) in the lower slope position. Grain yield and above ground biomass decreased from lower slope to middle slope and upper slope positions. These observed variations in soil properties and crop yield among land uses and topographic positions underscore the necessity for tailored soil management strategies and agronomic practices specific to land use types and the specific localized topographic conditions to optimize agricultural productivity.
Identification of organic pollutants and heavy metals in natural rubber wastewater and evaluation its phytotoxicity and cytogenotoxicity
2024, Chemosphere
The natural rubber industry consumes large volumes of water and annually releases wastewater with rich organic and inorganic loads. This wastewater is allowed for soil irrigation in developing countries. However, the pollutant composition in wastewater and its environmental effects remain unclear. Therefore, we aimed to assess the wastewater's physicochemical parameters, toxic organic pollutants, heavy metals, and phytotoxic and cytogenotoxic. The result revealed that values of comprehensive wastewater parameters were recorded as chemical oxygen demand (187432.1 mg/L), pH (4.23), total nitrogen (1157.1 mg/L), ammonia nitrogen (1113.0 mg/L), total phosphorus (1181.2 mg/L), Zn (593.3 mg/L), Cr (0.6127 mg/L), and Ni (0.2986 mg/L). The organic compounds detected by LC-MS were salbostatin, sirolimus, Gibberellin A34-catabolite, 1-(sn-glycero-3-phospho)-1D-myo-inositol, and methyldiphenylsilane. The toxicity of the identified toxic chemicals and heavy metals was confirmed by onion and mung bean phytotoxicity characterization tests. The wastewater affected the germination of mung bean seeds, reduced or inhibited the growth of onions, and induced various chromosomal aberrations in root apical meristems. Our study shows that the treatment of natural rubber wastewater needs to be improved, and the feasibility of irrigating soil with wastewater needs to be reconsidered.
Agricultural benefits, concerns, fate, and risks of the nanofertilizer's application to plants and the environment
2024, Nanofertilizer Delivery, Effects and Application Methods
Nanotechnology has become an important science and technology branch, especially in agriculture. The application of materials at the nanoscale as fertilizers is a promising tool for production yield improvement and an overall improvement in the plant's final characteristics. Nevertheless, some concerns should be addressed before a more significant scale use of these kinds of materials, all this to be aware of the negative implications and future issues that may arise from the application of nanofertilizers according to the plant type, greenhouse condition, and/or field conditions. It is necessary to always keep in mind that the positive and negative effects of the nanofertilizers on the plants will differ according to the nanomaterial properties, such as type, size, morphology, concentration, and superficial charge and moreover, how the nanomaterial is applied to the plant, such as by irrigation, foliar application, directly to the soil, or seed priming, This chapter summarizes the fate and risk of using nanofertilizers over different plant types, from the macro and micronutrients that are added to the plants to the different types of synthesis methods and the different nature of the fertilizers (advantages and disadvantages), to finally discuss the physiological modifications of the plants, yield, nutritional value, secondary metabolism changes, and concerns about the environment's (water, air, soil) risks and changes. Furthermore, how the plants respond to the nanomaterials' bioaccumulation, plant uptake, and penetration in the plant cells should be studied to propose further toxicity studies.
A critical review of soil phosphorus dynamics and biogeochemical processes for unlocking soil phosphorus reserves
2024, Advances in Agronomy
This chapter provides an overview of the relative contributions of organic and inorganic sources to soil phosphorus (P) accumulation, its dynamics, and the use of amendments in unlocking soil P reserves. Phosphorus availability for plants is limited due to insoluble compound formation with aluminum, iron, and calcium in the soil. Despite continuous replenishment through physicochemical and biological processes, about two-thirds of agricultural land globally suffers from P deficiency. Inorganic fertilizers, organic manure, and waste products are commonly used to address this deficiency. However, the resulting P input exceeds crop removal, resulting in environmental challenges. Excessive P application and inadequate consideration of crop demand have led to a significant buildup of residual P in global soils. Residual soil P can be transformed into bioavailable forms through geological, chemical, and biological processes. Geological processes, accelerated by factors like vegetation and climate, enhance P solubilization from soil minerals. Soil acidification, influenced by root activity and rainfall, further promotes P release. Chemical processes like desorption and dissolution also contribute to P availability, influenced by soil properties. Biological mechanisms facilitated by microorganisms play a vital role in unlocking soil P reserves. Understanding these processes is crucial for global food security. Efficient P use involves practices like simultaneous nitrogen and P application, organic matter addition, zero tillage, cover crops, strategic P placement, and specific crops that mobilize P. Inorganic and organic soil amendments, by influencing gene expression, soil acidification, and organic acid production, enhance P bioavailability.

View all citing articles on Scopus

View full text

Integrated Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrient Management in Tropical Agro-Ecosystems: A Review

Abstract

Soil Tillage Res

Sci Total Environ

Agric Syst

Soil Biol Biochem

Soil Biol Biochem

Agric Syst

Soil Biol Biochem

Agric Ecosyst Environ

Soil Biol Biochem

Land Use Policy

Agric Ecosyst Environ

Food Policy

Soil Till Res

Biol Conserv

Salt-affected Soils and Their Management

Abuja Declaration on Fertilizer for the African Green Revolution

On-farm integrated soil fertility management in wheat on Nitisols of central Ethiopian highlands

Ethiop J Nat Res

Phosphorus ferilizer and farmyard manure effects on the growth and yield of faba bean and some soil chemical properties in acidic Nitisols of the central highlands of Ethiopia

Ethiop J Nat Res

Cropping systems, soil fertility and crop management research on cool-season food legumes in the central highlands of Ehiopia: a review

Cropping sequence and nitrogen fertilizer effects on the productivity and quality of malting barley and soil fertility in the Ethiopian highlands

Arch Agron Soil Sci

Optimization of the efficiency of phosphate fertilizers in acidic-ferralitic soils of the humid tropics

Ethiop J Nat Resource

The role of phosphorus fertilization on growth and yield of faba bean on acidic Nitisol of central highland of Ethiopia

SINET: Ethiop J Sci

Evaluation of crop residue retention, compost and inorganic fertilizer application on barley productivity and soil chemical properties in the central Ethiopian highlands

Ethiop J Agric Res

Influence of integrated soil fertility management in wheat and tef productivity and soil chemical properties in the highland tropical environment

J Soil Sci Plant Nutr

Role of food legumes in cropping system in Ethiopia

Biological nitrogen fixation in faba bean (Vicia faba L.) in the Ethiopian highlands as affected by P fertilization and inoculation

Biol Fertil Soils

Managing nutrient on the move within the rural-urban context

Biological nitrogen fixation: A key input to integrated soil fertility management in the tropics

Participatory on-farm conservation tillage trial in the ethiopian highland Vertisols: The impact of potassium application on crop yields

Exp Agric

Managing Nutrient Cycles to Sustain Soil Fertility in Sub-Saharan Africa

The effect of crop residue and fertilizer use on pearl millet yields in niger

Fertil Res

Advances in Integrated Soil Fertility Management in Sub-Saharan Africa: Challenges and Opportunities

The Nature and Properties of Soils

Replenishing Soil Fertility in Africa. SSSA Special Publication 51

Report on Area and Production and Yield of Crops for Private Peasant Holdings for Main Crop Season. Agricultural Sample Survey 2012/2013

The status of micro-nutrient in Nitisols, Vertisols, Cambisols and Fluvisols in major maize, wheat, teff and citrus growing areas of Ethiopia

Soil nutrient depletion and population growth in sub-Saharan Africa: A Malthusian nexus?

Popul Environ

Is Soil Fertility Declining? Perspectives on Environmental Change in Southern Ethiopia. Managing Africa's Soils: 2

Farmers’ use of integrated soil fertility and nutrient management practices for sustainable crop production: A field-level study in bangladesh

Am J Agric Biol Sci

FAOSTAT 20-06

FAOSTAT 20-13

FAOSTAT 20-15

FAOSTAT 20-16

Household fuel consumption and resource use in rural-urban ethiopia

Nitrogen Fixation in Tropical Cropping Systems

Management of Biological Nitrogen Fixation for the Development of More Productive and Sustainable Agricultural Systems

Integrated Nutrient Management, Soil Fertility, and Sustainable Agriculture: Current Issues and Future Challenges

Response of Irish potato (Solanum tuberosum) to the application of potassium at acidic soils of Chencha, Southern Ethiopia

Int J Agric Biol