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Updated: Aug 5, 2026
08:44
Microplot Design and Plant and Soil Sample Preparation for 15Nitrogen Analysis
Published on: May 10, 2020
Lessons from low- and middle-income countries to improve nutrient-use efficiency under fertilizer scarcity
Andre Bationo1, Luis Prochnow2, Amit Roy3
1International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC), Muscle Shoals, AL, USA.
Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture
|July 31, 2026
Summary
Limited fertilizer access hinders crop yields. Improving nutrient use efficiency (NUE) with better practices and local phosphate rock is key to preventing crop failure.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Soil Science
- Agronomy
Background:
- Fertilizer accessibility, availability, and affordability are critical constraints on global crop productivity.
- Poor agronomic practices and environmental pressures exacerbate yield limitations.
- Optimizing nutrient use efficiency (NUE) is essential for sustainable agriculture.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of NUE in overcoming fertilizer limitations.
- To explore strategies for preventing crop yield collapse.
- To emphasize the role of local phosphate rock in nutrient management.
Main Methods:
- Review of current agricultural constraints and nutrient management strategies.
- Analysis of the impact of agronomic practices on crop productivity.
- Evaluation of local phosphate rock as a viable nutrient source.
Main Results:
- Limited access to fertilizers significantly impacts crop yields.
- Adoption of appropriate agronomic practices can enhance NUE.
- Utilizing local phosphate rock offers a potential solution for nutrient supply.
Conclusions:
- Maximizing NUE is crucial for maintaining crop productivity.
- Integrated approaches involving agronomic practices and local resources are needed.
- Addressing fertilizer constraints is vital for food security.
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