On-farm trials at 270 sites with micronutrients in beans in Burundi
were found to increase yields by 15 percent on average over
recommended fertilization and more than 40-70 percent over farm
practice (Figure 13).
The Micronutrient Initiative aims to:
a. Develop and lead a global debate on innovative
fertilizers, emphasizing micronutrients in its broader
societal and production-ecological context.
b. Build a solid science foundation to govern debates
and set an evolving agenda for research and
development in micronutrients.
c. Engage in action research to develop and apply
innovative micronutrient-containing fertilizer
technologies for immediate- and long-term impacts.
An additional investment of $3 – 4 million on
micronutrients in Burundi on existing acreage under
wheat, rice, maize and potatoes can raise crop
income by about $60 million.
Figure 13. Geospatial presentation of bean yields to addition of micronutrients in
Burundi based 270 on-farm trials. Map made with advanced spatial statistical methods.
Source: IFDC, VFRC, ISRIC and ISABU.3
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