Abstract:
During the past five years fertilizer use increased while national rice and wheat yields remained almost static. Production increases are due to expanded acreage. The recent review and analysis report (1985) of Chemonics/USAID entitled Pakistan Fertilizer Policy is commendable. Reduced subsidies and expanded private sector participation is worth- while. Ultimate crop productivity increase, however, will depend on a sound research base. From this base can emerge updated, site specific fertilizer recommendations for a crop, in a given planting pattern, based on nutrient status of soil and armed with knowledge of probable economic response from applied fertilizer. Fertilizer recommendations depend on good fertilizer research directed towards determining the efficiency of different rates and methods of fertilizer application. This must be done for different crops and on soil varying nutrient levels as deter- mined by soil test. Six recommendations spelled out for an urgent agenda for the National Agricultural Research System (NARS) co-ordinated through PARC, to conduct & monitor the needed research that could lead to the elimination of the present fertilizer failures.
Page(s):
1-9
DOI:
DOI not available
Published:
Journal: Science, Technology and Development, Volume: 5, Issue: 1, Year: 1986