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https://e-catalogs.taat-africa.org/gov/technologies/foliar-micronutrient-addition-for-healthier-rice
Targeted nutrients for stronger crops and richer grain
Foliar micronutrient addition is a targeted approach to addressing deficiencies in rice crops by applying liquid fertilizers containing essential trace elements such as zinc, copper, manganese, and boron directly onto the leaves and stems. The technique ensures rapid absorption of nutrients during critical growth stages, such as flowering and grain filling. This method improves nutrient uptake efficiency since smaller quantities of fertilizer are required compared to soil application. Farmers use knapsack sprayers or tractor-mounted equipment to uniformly distribute diluted micronutrient solutions over the rice canopy. The application typically begins 6 to 8 weeks after planting and continues at key points in the crop cycle. By improving grain quality, yield, and crop resilience to diseases, this technology enhances both the market value and productivity of rice crops in areas where soil nutrient depletion is common.
This technology is TAAT1 validated.
Adults 18 and over: Positive high
Adults, especially farmers, will benefit significantly from increased rice yields, improved grain quality, and higher incomes, making the impact highly positive.
The poor: Positive low
While the technology can lead to better yields and incomes, its initial costs for fertilizers and equipment may limit adoption among poorer farmers.
Under 18: No impact
Children under 18 are unlikely to be directly impacted, as they do not typically participate in decisions about agricultural practices or technology adoption.
Women: Positive medium
Women, who often engage in farming and household food production, will experience positive impacts through improved crop yields and nutritional quality. However, access to the technology might be limited in some regions, slightly moderating the impact.
Climate adaptability: Moderately adaptable
This technology can be applied in various climates, but its efficiency may vary depending on the specific micronutrient needs and environmental conditions in different regions. While adaptable, it requires targeted application for best results, leading to a moderate rating.
Farmer climate change readiness: Significant improvement
The technology helps farmers adapt to climate change by improving nutrient management and crop resilience, leading to better yields even under changing environmental conditions. This justifies a significant positive impact.
Biodiversity: No impact on biodiversity
Carbon footprint: Same amount of carbon released
Environmental health: Does not improve environmental health
Soil quality: Does not affect soil health and fertility
Water use: A bit less water used
Since foliar application reduces the need for excessive soil-based fertilizer use, it may result in slightly more efficient water use, leading to a small reduction in water consumption.
This technology, focusing on rice cultivation, addresses the challenge of low micronutrient content in rice, a common issue in Sub-Saharan Africa due to depleted soils. By employing a practical and cost-effective approach of spraying specialty liquid mixes of micronutrient fertilizer on rice crops. This not only enhances grain yield and nutritional value but also contributes to sustainable agriculture, aligning with goals for food security, poverty reduction, and environmental sustainability.
To integrate this technology into your project, create a list of project activities and prerequisites, including:
- Estimate the quantity of mineral fertilizers, and tractor mounted sprayers needed for your project.
- As the technology is available in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Uganda, Togo, Tanzania, Senegal, Rwanda, Nigeria, Niger, Mozambique, Malawi, Madagascar, Kenya, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Ethiopia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cameroon, Burundi, Burkina Faso, Benin, include the delivery cost to the project site and account for import clearance and duties if relevant.
Consider also:
Training is important. A team of trainers could provide training and support during project installation. Include the cost for training and post-training support for using the technology.
Communication support for the technology should be developed (flyers, videos, radio broadcasts, etc.)
For better optimization of this technology, it is recommended to associate this technology with New Rice for Africa (NERICA), Hybrid Rice Varieties for Africa (ARICA), Mineral fertilizers with nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
To implement the technology in your country, you could collaborate with agricultural development institutes, Fertilizer suppliers, and Agricultural service companies.
Fertilizers
Yield increased
Protective kits per person
Knapsack sprayers with a tank of 20 liter
Open source / open access
| Country | Testing ongoing | Tested | Adopted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Benin | –No ongoing testing | Tested | Adopted |
| Burkina Faso | –No ongoing testing | Tested | Adopted |
| Burundi | –No ongoing testing | Tested | Adopted |
| Cameroon | –No ongoing testing | Tested | Adopted |
| Côte d’Ivoire | –No ongoing testing | Tested | Adopted |
| Democratic Republic of the Congo | –No ongoing testing | Tested | Adopted |
| Ethiopia | –No ongoing testing | Tested | Adopted |
| Ghana | –No ongoing testing | Tested | Adopted |
| Kenya | –No ongoing testing | Tested | Adopted |
| Madagascar | –No ongoing testing | Tested | Adopted |
| Malawi | –No ongoing testing | Tested | Adopted |
| Mozambique | –No ongoing testing | Tested | Adopted |
| Niger | –No ongoing testing | Tested | Adopted |
| Nigeria | –No ongoing testing | Tested | Adopted |
| Rwanda | –No ongoing testing | Tested | Adopted |
| Senegal | –No ongoing testing | Tested | Adopted |
| Tanzania | –No ongoing testing | Tested | Adopted |
| Togo | –No ongoing testing | Tested | Adopted |
| Uganda | –No ongoing testing | Tested | Adopted |
| Zambia | –No ongoing testing | Tested | Adopted |
| Zimbabwe | –No ongoing testing | Tested | Adopted |
This technology can be used in the colored agro-ecological zones. Any zones shown in white are not suitable for this technology.
| AEZ | Subtropic - warm | Subtropic - cool | Tropic - warm | Tropic - cool |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arid | – | – | – | – |
| Semiarid | – | – | – | – |
| Subhumid | – | |||
| Humid | – |
Source: HarvestChoice/IFPRI 2009
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals that are applicable to this technology.
By addressing micronutrient deficiencies, the technology helps increase rice yields and improve grain quality, contributing to food security and better nutrition. This significantly supports efforts to reduce hunger and malnutrition.
The technology boosts farmer income by improving crop productivity and quality, but the initial costs for micronutrient fertilizers may limit its immediate accessibility for poorer farmers. However, in the long term, it has potential to alleviate poverty through increased agricultural profitability.
The technology promotes more efficient use of agricultural inputs like fertilizers, reducing waste and improving nutrient uptake efficiency. This aligns with the goal of promoting sustainable production practices.
By making crops more resilient to environmental stressors and improving nutrient management, the technology helps farmers adapt to climate change. While it doesn’t directly reduce emissions, it enhances agricultural sustainability in the face of changing climates.
Selection: Choose the right foliar micronutrient solution tailored for rice crops, ensuring it contains essential elements like magnesium, calcium, copper, zinc, manganese, and boron.
Safety: Wear appropriate protective equipment during application to prevent any potential health risks, especially if the solution contains additional chemicals or pesticides.
Timing: Apply the solution at the appropriate growth stage of the rice, preferably when the plant leaves are most receptive, typically six to eight weeks after planting or at critical growth stages.
Dilution: Dilute the concentrated solution as recommended, ensuring the correct concentration for optimal uptake by the plants.
Application: Using a sprayer, evenly spray the solution onto the rice canopy. Ensure the droplets are fine for maximum absorption. A nebulizer sprayer can be particularly effective.
Coverage: Ensure complete coverage of all plant leaves, as this is where absorption primarily takes place.
Last updated on 2 October 2024
This technology can be used in the colored agro-ecological zones.
Foliar micronutrient addition for healthier rice
https://e-catalogs.taat-africa.org/gov/technologies/foliar-micronutrient-addition-for-healthier-rice
Last updated on 2 October 2024, printed on 22 December 2024
Enquiries e-catalogs@taat.africa
