The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)-Crops Research Institute (CRI), in collaboration with OCP Ghana Limited, has unveiled groundbreaking fertilizer sources specifically designed for Ghanaian maize and soybean farmers. This pioneering innovation, known as “OCP Fertilizer Doctrine”, has the potential to significantly increase the growth, development, and yield of maize and soybean.
The OCP Fertilizer Doctrine gives farmers and stakeholders across the agricultural value chain a strategic advantage in crop production while facilitating good returns.
Recognizing this potential, the CSIR-Crops Research Institute and OCP Ghana Ltd partnered to explore and evaluate the effectiveness of singular nutrient sources, including nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sulfur (S), urea, etc. on the productivity of maize and soybean in the Ashanti (Fumesua) and Bono East (Nkoranza) regions of Ghana. As part of the collaboration, the effects of the individual nutrient sources were evaluated in detail and compared with existing compound fertilizers that shared similar compositions.
The objective was to discern the comparative efficacy of these fertilizers on maize and soybean crops, paving the way for a more informed and tailored approach to optimizing agricultural productivity in these regions and beyond.
Dr. Philip Ghanney, a Research Scientist at the CSIR-Crops Research Institute initiated a constructive dialogue during a field day in Fumesua and highlighted on the advantages of applying singular fertilizers to maize and soybean crops.
Dr. Ghanney was strongly supported by Dr. Agbesi Keteku on the groundbreaking initiative to maize and soybean farmers.
In his presentation, Dr. Ghanney emphasized on the transformative impact the research is poised to have on improving the resilience of maize and soybean crops. He was more convinced that the application of singular fertilizers plays pivotal role in bolstering agricultural outcomes, which is a positive drive to improving soil health and crop productivity.
The field day did not only serve as a platform for showcasing the differentiated fertilizers but also promoted a meaningful discussion that contributed to the broader advancement of agricultural practices in the region. This made renowned scientists form the institute including Prof. Brandford Moses Mochiah (Director), Dr. Maxwell Asante (Deputy Director), Dr. Agbesi Keteku, Dr. Sylvester Addy, and Dr. Priscilla Francisco Ribeiro to contribute vehemently to the scientific development.
As disclosed by the Research Scientist, differentiated fertilizers could be tailored to the specific needs of crops, allowing a more efficient and targeted approach to nutrient application. This helps crops to meet their precise nutrient requirements thereby promoting healthier growth, yield, and profitability to farmers. He further stated that when singular fertilizers are blended for use operates comparably to the familiar NPK blends available in the market.
During the field visit, Dr. Ghanney and Dr. Agbesi Keteku moved with farmers to witness for themselves the impact of Muriate of Potash (MoP), Rock Phosphate (RP), Triple Superphosphate (TSP), Urea, Sulphate of ammonia (SoA), blended NPK, and some Trace Elements (TE) on the growth, development, and yield of maize and soybean. The scientists used the opportunity to educate farmers on the distinctions among the fertilizers and offered guidance on their application and distribution to maize and soybean. The collaborative exercise reflects CSIR-Crops Research Institute and OCP Ghana Ltd commitment to advancing agricultural knowledge and empowering farmers with informed decisions on sustainable farming practices.
“This is a new trial that we are embarking on to evaluate the effect of single fertilizer or differentiated nutrients on maize and soybean. We’ve come to the realization that it will get to a time when there will be the need for farmers to go by the individual fertilizer requirements that we have other than going for the nitrogen phosphorus and potassium that have been compounded for one fertilizer….”
“We’ve brought this pilot initiative or research so that we can improve the resilience of maize and soybean.” Dr Ghanney disclosed.
He further said, “This singular fertilizer when rendered together, it works similarly just like the NPK that we have in the market.”
Source: Oyerepafmonline.com / Joseph Marfo
