Nitrogen and Phosphorus Mineralization and their corresponding Monetary Values under Long‐Term Integrated soil Fertility Management Practices
Loading...
Date
2024-05
Authors
Bolo, Peter
Mucheru‐Muna, Monicah
Kinyua, Michael
Ayaga, George
Nyawira, Sylvia
Kihara, Job
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
WILEY
Abstract
Introduction: Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are essential nutrients for plant growth,
commonly supplied through costly inorganic amendments. However, despite the
benefits of nutrient mineralisation, there is limited quantitative information on its
monetary value, and the extent of associated potential financial relief to smallholder
farmers, particularly in western Kenya region.
Materials and Methods: This study used in situ resin core method to explore the extent
of N and P nutrient mineralisation and monetary equivalents under select integrated soil
fertility management (ISFM) practices in two long‐term (17 years) trials namely
Conservation Tillage (CT1) and Integrated Nutrient Management (INM3).
Results: FYM addition increased various soil chemical parameters while sole fertiliser
(NPK) reduced soil pH and soil organic carbon (SOC). Phosphorus application was
associated with increased P availabillity and its monetary value within the first month
(0.29 kg P ha−1
; USD 1.13 ha−1
) and second month (1.22 kg P ha−1
; USD 4.76 ha−1
) of
incubation. The quantities of N mineralised, and their monetary equivalents varied with
fertiliser application and incubation times. Nitrogen fertilisation depressed P mineralisation and monetary benefits. FYM application increased P mineralisation and its
monetary value within 30 (0.78 kg ha−1
; ~USD 3.02 ha−1
) and 60 (1.22 kg ha−1
; ~USD
4.76) days of incubation. Residue application increased mineralised N (17.48 kg ha−1
;
~USD 22.79 ha−1
) after 60 days. Maize and soybean intercropping increased
N mineralisation (45.81 kg N ha−1
) and monetary value (USD 59.76 ha−1
). SOC and
other soil variables, their stoichiometry ratios and N mineralisation were significantly
correlated. Combined NPK and FYM application significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased maize
yields and grain prices.
Conclusion: These findings reflect potential nutrient‐based economic advantages of
ISFM practices to resource‐limited smallholder farmers. Combined application of NPK
fertiliser and FYM is integral in not only optimising crop yields, but also driving key soil
health‐related parameters and economic benefits.
Description
Article
Keywords
management practices, monetary value, nitrogen, nutrient mineralisation, phosphorus
Citation
Bolo, P., Mucheru‐Muna, M., Kinyua, M., Ayaga, G., Nyawira, S., & Kihara, J. (2024). Nitrogen and phosphorus mineralization and their corresponding monetary values under long‐term integrated soil fertility management practices. Journal of Sustainable Agriculture and Environment, 3(2), e12100.