Development of Organic Fertilizer Production Technology Using Low-Grade Phosphate Rock
―Yield increase effect comparable to chemical fertilizer due to the action of soil microorganisms―

A joint research group of JIRCAS, the Institute of Environment and Agricultural Research of Burkina Faso (INERA), and University Joseph KI-ZERBO has developed a technology for the production of organic fertilizers that increase yields by fermentation of locally available crop residues (such as sorghum stalks) with rhizosphere soil rich in low-grade phosphate rock, an underutilized resource in Burkina Faso, and phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms. In a demonstration test on the central plateau of Burkina Faso on sorghum, a major cereal crop, organic fertilizers with added phosphate rock and other materials added (referred to as phosphate soil-added compost), which were prepared using this technology, showed a yield increase effect comparable to that of chemical fertilizers. It was also found that the number of soil microorganisms effective for phosphorus solubilization increased.
 
The phosphate rock soil-added compost developed in this research is a new organic fertilizer that uses only materials available to local farmers, such as plant residues, low-grade phosphate rock, and rhizosphere soil. This technology will provide a new option for local farmers and is expected to be an effective technology for improving soil fertility. Furthermore, the results of this research are expected to contribute to solving the food problems in sub-Saharan Africa through the utilization of unused local resources and to be an effective technique for dealing with the sharp rise in global chemical fertilizer prices.
 
The results of this research have been published in the electronic edition of Scientific Reports (August 17, 2022, JST).

Authors

A Sagnon, S Iwasaki, EB Tibiri, NA Zongo, IJO Bonkoungou, S Nakamura, M Traore, N Barro, F Tiendrebeogo and PS Sarr

Title

Amendment with Burkina Faso phosphate rock‑enriched composts alters soil chemical properties and microbial structure, and enhances sorghum agronomic performance

Journal

Scientific Reports
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-18318-1

JIRCAS President 

KOYAMA Osamu

Program Directors

NAKASHIMA Kazuo
HAYASHI Keiichi

Principal Investigators

SARR Papa Saliou (Crop, Livestock and Environment Division)
IWASAKI Shinya (Rural Development Division) 
NAKAMURA Satoshi (Crop, Livestock and Environment Division)

Press Coordinator

OMORI Keisuke (Head, Information and Public Relations Office) 
E-mail：koho-jircas@ml.affrc.go.jp