Nutrient flows and balances in intensively managed vegetable production of two West African cities

Abstract

This study reports and analyzes nutrient balances in experimental vegetable production systems of the two West African cities of Tamale (Ghana) and Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso) over a two‐year period comprising thirteen and eleven crops, respectively. Nutrient‐use efficiency was also calculated. In Tamale and Ouagadougou, up to 2% (8 and 80 kg N ha−1) of annually applied fertilizer nitrogen were leached. While biochar application or wastewater irrigation on fertilized plots did not influence N leaching in both cities, P and K leaching, as determined with ion‐absorbing resin cartridges, were reduced on biochar‐amended plots in Tamale. Annual nutrient balances amounted to +362 kg N ha−1, +217 kg P ha−1, and –125 kg K ha−1 in Tamale, while Ouagadougou had balances of up to +692 kg N ha−1, +166 kg P ha−1, and –175 kg K ha−1 y−1. Under farmers' practice of fertilization, agronomic nutrient‐use efficiencies were generally higher in Tamale than in Ouagadougou, but declined in both cities during the last season. This was the result of the higher nutrient inputs in Ouagadougou compared to Tamale and relatively lower outputs. The high N and P surpluses and K deficits call for adjustments in local fertilization practices to enhance nutrient‐use efficiency and prevent risks of eutrophication.

Influence of Biochar and Poultry Manure on Weed Infestation and Growth of Arabica Coffee (Coffea Arabica) Seedlings

“…In the 20t/ha -1 biochar treatment, biochar amendment could have sustained soil P availability for coffee seedling uptake [32].…”

Soil–climate contribution to DNDC model uncertainty in simulating biomass accumulation under urban vegetable production on a Petroplinthic Cambisol in Tamale, Ghana

“…These comprised maize, cabbage ( Brassica oleracea L.), amaranth ( Amaranthus cruentus ), lettuce ( Lactuca sativa L.), jute mallow ( Corchorus olitorius L.), and roselle ( Hibiscus sabdariffa L.; Tab. ; Akoto‐Danso et al., , ; Werner et al, ).…”

“…Previous research has shown the agronomic benefits of waste water and biochar application in UPA system of Tamale ( Werner et al., ; Akoto‐Danso et al., ). Biochar application enhanced N‐use efficiency on fertilized plots, while N surpluses were higher when the crops were irrigated with waste water ( Akoto‐Danso et al., ). To better understand the nutrient dynamics in intensively managed UPA systems and to derive and test‐implement sustainable management options, which minimize nutrient losses, further research is required.…”

Production and Characterization of Crop Residues Derived Biochars for Soil Amendment and Carbon Sequestration

“…It contributes to sequester carbon into the soil and improves soil properties to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (Lehmann, 2007;Laird et al, 2010;Collet and Rousseau, 2015;Naisse, 2015). Other studies show a beneficial effect of biochar on soil fertility and plant productivity when combined with fertilizer or manure (Novak et al, 2009;Badji, 2011;Xu et al, 2012;Manka'abusi et al, 2019;Akoto-Danso et al, 2019;Lompo et al, 2020).…”