Restoring depleted soils with biofertilizers

A study evaluated the effectiveness of biofertilizers (Neptune's Harvest) on degraded, acid soils in regions of high cassava production. It analyzed the advantages and possible disadvantages of using these biofertilizers on soil and crops, and determined their specific features in relation to cassava and possible interactions when used in combination with conventional mineral fertilizers.Field experiments conducted using a factorial set-up (3 cassava varieties x 10 types of fertilizer) spread out in a split plot, showed an increase in cassava tuberous root yield (dry weight) of around 42.5% with the use of the biofertilizer Kelp meal. This increase was 32% with Fish fertilizer. Significant improvements were observed in soil properties, with organic matter maintained and a positive improvement in the absorbent complex in biofertilized soils.Biofertilizers have demonstrated their performance and durability in soil fertilization under cassava. They are suitable for sustained cassava production even in degraded tropical soils.

Autorentext

Prof Adrien Ndonda, a specialist in soil and crop management, teaches plant production subjects at universities in the DRC.He is a leading researcher and author of several publications on phytotechnics and tropical soil fertility improvement systems.

Klappentext

A study evaluated the effectiveness of biofertilizers (Neptune's Harvest) on degraded, acid soils in regions of high cassava production. It analyzed the advantages and possible disadvantages of using these biofertilizers on soil and crops, and determined their specific features in relation to cassava and possible interactions when used in combination with conventional mineral fertilizers.Field experiments conducted using a factorial set-up (3 cassava varieties x 10 types of fertilizer) spread out in a split plot, showed an increase in cassava tuberous root yield (dry weight) of around 42.5% with the use of the biofertilizer Kelp meal. This increase was 32% with Fish fertilizer. Significant improvements were observed in soil properties, with organic matter maintained and a positive improvement in the absorbent complex in biofertilized soils.Biofertilizers have demonstrated their performance and durability in soil fertilization under cassava. They are suitable for sustained cassava production even in degraded tropical soils.