On the occasion of the EWA-BELT General Assembly, held on September 24th, 2024, at Spazio Cairoli in Milan, Mr. Deodatus Kiriba, on behalf of the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute, discussed the effects of the integrated use of cow manure and inorganic fertilizers on Northern Tanzania’s soils.
Global agriculture faces increasingly great challenges, from declining soil fertility to the growing impacts of climate change. As populations expand, the pressure to enhance crop productivity while preserving environmental health has never been greater. In this scenario, the EWA-BELT project offers a promising path forward. Through research and the development of technology-driven solutions, the project is redefining how farmers can sustain and improve their yields while adopting sustainable agricultural practices.
During his speech at the EWABELT General Assembly, Mr. Kiriba highlighted that soil degradation is one of the greatest challenges in Tanzania, and there is a necessity to adopt innovative approaches to improve soil fertility. To encourage farmers to adopt new agricultural practices, TARI and EWA-BELT conducted on-farm trials in Monduli and Arumeru districts, Tanzania, to evaluate the impact of integrating organic and inorganic fertilizers. Their approach was simple yet effective: combining cow manure, an accessible organic material, with small doses of inorganic fertilizer. Trials were conducted during the 2022 and 2023 growing seasons, and they showed a significant increase in maize yields compared to untreated soils.
The researchers started by engaging local farmers, selecting host sites, and conducting soil analyses. They used randomized complete block designs with plot sizes of 3 by 2.5 meters and maize as the test crop, normally spaced at 7.5 by 30 cm with two seeds planted, subsequently thinned into one. The treatments included a range of combinations, such as full doses of organic manure alone, small doses of inorganic fertilizers alone, and integrated applications of both. During the first season, they were able to test nearly 11 treatments, also involving the farmers.
Farmers actively participated in evaluating the performance of the treatments, supporting researchers to identify those with the best results. This approach not only validated the research but also empowered farmers to take on more sustainable practices and realize the benefits of innovative agricultural practices. The outcomes were clear and positive, showing how integrating organic and inorganic fertilizers enhances productivity and boosts soil fertility. To complete the research from a 360-degree point of view, the researchers contacted Cranfield University to analyze the economic data to prove the cost-effectiveness of integrating organic and inorganic fertilizers for smallholder farmers, particularly.
In conclusion, the study validates that integrating organic and inorganic fertilizers is an effective strategy to combat soil degradation and enhance agricultural productivity. By involving farmers directly in the research process, TARI and EWA-BELT ensured the practical applicability of their new findings, encouraging the farmers to adopt more ground-breaking practices of sustainable farming in Tanzania.
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