13th AFA Intl Annual Fertilizers Forum &Exhibition

Intercontinental Hotel- Sharm El-Sheikh

6-8 February 2007

Current Researech in Fertilizer use in Irrigated Agriculture in Sudan

Dr. Shama E. Dawelbeit, Dr. Fawzi M. Salih Prof. Omer A. Dahab & Dr. Sir Elkhatim H. Ahmed Agriculture Research Corporation, Land & Water Research

Sudan

Current Researech in Fertilizer use in Irrigated Agriculture in Sudan

By

Dr. Shama E. Dawelbeit Dr. Fawzi M. Salih Prof. Omer A. Dahab Dr. Sir Elkhatim H. Ahmed

Abstract

The Republic of the Sudan is the largest Arab country in term of area (a more than 250 mill. ha.) The cultivated is 16.7 mill ha., but the potiantially cultivable area is more larger. The country has a substanial surface water resources, especially in the Blue and White Nile Rivers. There are three main farming systems irrigated- (1.9 mill. ha.), rainfed semi mechanized (5.2 mill. ha.) and rainfed traditional (9.2 mill. ha.). For the irrigated schemes, the most important soils are the Vertisols in central Sudan known as cracking clays. These soils have moderate to poor fertility. The main cause is the low content in organic mater < 1 % low N < 0.1 %, and low available P < 10 ppm. Nevertheless , the relatively high cation exchangae capacity (CEC) and percentage base saturation of these soils indicates their greater ability to retain added nutrients. Despite thise low fertility of the soils, fertilizer consumption is very low averaging to 4 kg of total nutrient per cultivated ha. In order to upgrade these soils experements in fertilization started since 1925 while commerial use began In 1950th, where as Ammonuim sulphate was used as a source of N which was changed to Urea in the 1960th. In the 1980th. the use of triple super phosphate was introduced as a source of P. This was followed late (mid 90th.) by the use of complex or compound fertilizers, solid or in liquid form. Most of the current research was conducted to test Urea and other compound fertilizers. These experiments were carried in most of the irrigated agrculture in different crops such as cotton, wheat, sorghum , sugarcane and vegetables. The results revealed that the yield of tested feild crops were higher. However , complex fertilizers were better compared to Urea. Possible explanation is that these fertilizers contain more than one plant nutrient and N is present in more readily avaiable form. Significant yield differences between sources and rates of N were obtained compared to standared practice in case of vegatables. The release of fertilizers is based on crop yield and economic return.

Introduction: Sudan is one of the largest in Africa and Arab countries (a more than 250 mill. ha.). Soils have different soil properties. Most of irrigated schemes are located in the central clay plain. These soils are montmorolinitic in nature, characterized by high clay content (54 65%), and alkaline pH (pH 88.4) low organic matter and low chemical fertility status. Nitrogen and available phosphorus are predominantly deficient, whereas indications of potassium deficiency are detected in some parts of the Rahad Scheme (El Tom, 1972; El Sharif, 1992; SMSS-USDA/SSA, 1982). Tables (1) and (2) show some selected soil properties of the main irrigated scheme. The total area of the Gezira scheme (central Sudan) is about two million acres. In terms of overall production, irrigated farming accounts for 99 percent of cotton, 100 percent of wheat, 52 percent of gruondnut, 100 percent of sugar cane, 25 percent of sorghum, and 80 percent of fruits and vegetables. The main crops are cotton, wheat, groundnuts, grain sorghum and vegetables. However, yields are generally low. Average yields in the irrigated areas are far higher than in the rainfed areas but are still below their potential, especially compared with yields obtained at research stations and by productive farmers. This is attributable to a variety of constraints and limitations. Table 8 compares average crop yields with the potential yield with improved cereal varieties in the irrigated sector. The cotton yield under irrigated systems is generally low, at about 5.5 kantar per feddan. Low soil fertility and low fertilizer application rates are tow of the main reasons of the low farmers yields. Table (3) shows the most important nutrients needed by different crops, available forms, nutrient content and amounts taken by the plant in order to produce one ton of dry matter. Fertilizers have to be added to maintain soil fertility and attain higher yields. Fertilizer requirements Fertilizer requirement is the amount required by a certain plant to attain maximum yield under the farm conditions. For the same crop, required amounts might be different depending on the variety, water availability, crop rotation, plant population etc. On-station as well as on-farm trials are generally conducted to test the crop response to added fertilizer(s). Finally, economical analysis is very important for a complete analysis. At the farm level, nutrient deficiency symptoms, tissue and soil analysis are very important diagnostic tools for determining the crop need for fertilizer. Table (4) shows N, P and K uptake per feddans by different crops. Total quantities required by the different plants are then estimated at a higher level, by the federal ministry of agriculture. Many factors govern the supply of required quantities: 1. Ability of the national economy to supply all of the required quantities. 2. Fertilizer price loans and subsidies. 3. Lack of information on exact fertilizer requirements of the different crops. 4. Lack or poor extension services. 5. Inadequate number of well-trained competent scientists. Development of Fertilizers use in Sudan All material containing plant nutrients can be called fertilizer. Depending on the process of manufacture, fertilizer particles can be of many different sizes and shapes: granules,pellets, "prills", crystals, or coarse or fine powder. They are mostly supplied as solids but some may be dissolved and applied as liquids.

Fertilizers that contain only one primary nutrient are referred to as straight or simple fertilizers. Those containing two or three primary nutrients are variously called multinutrient, compound, complex or mixed fertilizers, sometimes also binary (twonutrient) or ternary (three-nutrient) fertilizers. The Sudan has a tradition of research on the use of mineral fertilizers, probably associated with the development of irrigated agriculture. Results of early trials (1918-1923) conducted at Gezira farm conditions showed the importance of fallow compared to continuous cropping by the same crop, which was cotton (Table 5). Realizing the depressive effects of continuous cropping, an intensive fertilizer research program started at 1925 addressing type of fertilizer, required quantities, method and time of application and their interaction with other cultural practices. Following the establishment of agricultural research corporation out stations, research extended to other crops throughout the country. Agricultural Research played a significant role in increasing crop productivity by finding the forms and quantity of fertilizers needed. Further research concentrated in : 1. Determining nutrients crop requirement. 2. Nutrient available in soil. 3. Nutrients losses by leaching or volatilization. 4. Quantity of crop productivity needed. 5. Economic of fertilizer application. Experements in fertilization started since 1925 while commerial use began In 1950th, where as Ammonuim sulphate was used as a source of N which was changed to Urea in the 1960th. In the 1980th. the use of triple super phosphate was introduced as a source of P. This was followed late (mid 90th.) by the use of complex or compound fertilizers, solid or in liquid form. Nitrogen fertilizers The importance of nitrogen fertilization was found in most of crops, such as cotton, wheat and sorghum. With these findings research concentrated in testing the effect of different nitrogen forms starting with Ammonium Sulphate as N source in the Gezira Scheme. The fertilizer contain 21% N in the form of NH4+ and sulphur in the form of SO4--. Sulphate is an important element for plant nutrition and it has another role in reducing soil pH which indirectly increases the availability of other nutrients such as P and Zn. Ammonium Sulphate was changed to urea in the 1960th. For cotton production, urea contains 46% N in the form of NH4+. Due to the fact that crops normally absorb N in the form of nitrates and to a less extent in form of NH4+, this urea had to be transform and by so doing the losses might be in the range, 30 70 % in unfavouable soil condition such as low organic matter and high clay content. Phosphorous fertilizers This is the second fertilizer use in irrigated schemes, normally added as the triple super phosphate used in the production of wheat and it is broadcasted with sowing. Plants normally absorb it in form of PO4-- and its uptake is normally favoured in presence of NH4+and in its absences fixation is common in form of calcium phosphate, due to high content of calcium in most of irrigated scheme soils.

Multinutrient or Compound fertilizers Usually the application of one nutrient affects the uptake and concentration of he other nutrient in the plant tissues. Humbert (1968) reported that, if N and K are approaching critical levels, the application of one without the other results in a significant drop in the composition of the element which is not applied. Therefore, sufficient quantities of both elements should be applied to maintain proper growth. Complex fertilizers were found better compared to Urea. Possible explanation is that these fertilizers contain more than one plant nutrient and N is present in more readily avaiable form. Most of the current research was conducted to test Urea and other compound fertilizers. These experiments were carried in most of the irrigated agriculture in different crops such as cotton, wheat, sorghum , sugarcane and vegetables. The compound fertilizer tested are 1. Ammonium Sulphate (AS) (21 % N in form of NH4+ and 24% S in form of SO4 2. Super Star Fert. (23:23:0) (23% N in form of NO3- & NH4- + 23% P + 4.2% Ca + 0.6% Mg + 1.0% SO4--). 3. Super star fert. NPK (17:17:17); (17% N in form NO3- & NH4+ +17% P + 17% K 4.2% Ca + 0.6% Mg) 4. Ammonium Sulphate Nitrate (ASN) (26% N in form of NH4+ and 14% S form of SO4 5. Nitrophoska NPK (18:18:5) (18% N in form of NO3- & NH4+ + 18% P + 5% K + 3% SO4- + 1.5% Mg + trace elements, total elements is 11). 6. Foliar fertilizer Wuxal poly micro and Bayfolan 11 8 6. Effect of solid fertilizer in increasing productivity in some tested crops 1. Cotton Cotton is the major rotation cash crop in Gezira. The average yield of seed cotton in Gezira in generally low and a number of factors were suspected for cotton yield depression including fertilization. Early investigations (Burhan, 1969,1971; Burhan and Jackson, 1973; Burhan and Taha, 1974) examined crop response to singlenutrient fertilizers in long-term trials on cotton, over 18 seasons, in a 3 4 course rotation showed that : The response to 190 kg/ha of urea was consistent and significant in all 18 seasons. There was a positive response to P as TSP in about 30 percent of the seasons. Response to K were rarely reported. The fertilization practice adopted in Gezira for cotton production is the application of 86 kg N/ha in form of urea applied 6 8 weeks after sowing followed by green ridging. Results shown by Burhan 1965 (Table 6) revealed that the high significant yield was achived by application of 4N at both location (Wad Medani, Res. Station and El Turbi) over the control. Shama et al 1992 find that, though cotton plants resceived similar amounts of nitrogen from either urea or KNO3, they showed variation in concentration of the different nutrients investigated in the leaf tissue. Tables 7 and 8 show the leaf concentration of macro and micronutrients respectively. Treatment has furnished adequate amounts of NO3 compared to urea treatment and consequently high concentration of cations in the leaves. Similar the concentration of 5

NO3 and B were higher in the leaves of KNO3 treated plants compared with that of urea treated plants. During nitrate metabolism in the shoot, equivalent amounts of carboxylates are produced and exist as cation organates. From the FAO fertilizer programm carried in Sudan between 1977 1986 high yield in all crop tested was showed under the best treatment (Table 9). A low response of cotton to urea fertilization as wellas N losses from urea have been reported. For that research with multinutrient started. Results showed by the super star fertilizer. In cotton wheat and potatoes proved that there is high response in these crops due to compound fertilizer compared to application of simple fertilizers (Table 10) urea and triple super phosphate. Cotton results from other multnutrient fertilizer. Tables 11-13 showed that cotton yields with NPK complex fertilizer, ASN and ammonium sulphate (AS) were higher than with urea. Possible explanations are that the Nis present in a more readily available form for crop uptake and, therefore, losses are lower compared with urea. Moreover, the fertilizers tested contain more than one plant nutrient. 2. Wheat Wheat production in the Sudan started thousands of year ago on fertile alluvial soils of the Nile in the Northern and Nile River States. Since 1960s, wheat production has moved southward and the crop is now also cultivated in Khartoum, Gezira,White Nile, Gedarif, Kassala and Darfur States. Wheat is a cold-loving crop. It performs well between lat. 30 to 60 N and 30 to 45 S. With this in mind, Sudan is outside the zone for commercial wheat production. Inspite of that, Sudan had been growing wheat for ages. Although, the northern region is more favorable and is of high comparative advantage for producing the crop, yet the scarcity of land stems as one of the major constriants hampering commericial wheat production there. Ageeb an Abdalla (1988) conducted an on-farm trial where selected treatments of N, P and K combinations were applied to wheat (cultivar Condor) at four different sites in the Gezira Scheme. Phosphorus application signifcantly increased wheat grain yield in all locations except Dirwish where the site is known to have a fertile soil ( Table 14). There was no significant response to potassium application indicating that Gezira soil has adequate amounts of available K as previously reported (Finck 1962). Wheat did not respond significantly to levels of N greater than 86 kg N/ha in the absence of P application and the response to P application increased from the Central Group (Dirwish and Wad Sulfab) to northern Gezira (Kab El Gidad). The response of wheat to P in El Gadeed Block in Managil Group was similar to that of northern Gezira. The addition of 43 kg P2O5/ha increased wheat grain yield by 52 % over the recommended practice (i.e., 86 kg N/ha) at Kab El Gidad and El Gadeed. The authors recommended the addition of 43 kg P2 O5/ha and 86 kg N/ha to wheat in the Gezira and White Nile Schemes. Ibrahim and Satti (1991) at Hudeiba and the White Nile conducted an on-farm factorial trial where different rates of potassium fertilizer (0 , 21.5, 43 and 86 kg K2 O/ha) and two times for K application (T1, where all the fertilizer treatment was given at sowing and T2 , where K dose was given at sowing and K dose at booting) were tested. The experiment at Hudeiba was carries out on two soil types: Karu and High terrace. K2SO4 was used at Hudeiba and KCI at the White Nile State. All treatment at all sites received a basal dose of 86 kg N/ha and 43 kg P2O5/ha. Wadi El Neil wheat cultivar was grown at Hudeiba and Condor at the White Nile. Both the rates and times

of K application had no significant effect on wheat grain yield and yield components at all sites. Mohamed-Ali (1990) reported that Giza 155 and Wadi El Neil wheat cultivars significantly responded to N and P and not to K application in Ed-Damer area. Although Finck (1962) and others had reported that the soils of the Sudan have adequate supply of available K, they believed that the high soil salinity/sodicity encountered in the High Terrace Nile State and White Nile soils and the use of KCI in the White Nile might have hampered K uitilization by wheat and eventually reduced crop yield. Naiem et al. 2001 conducted an on-station and on-farm trials on wheat in 1999/2000 and 2000/01 at Gezira, Rahad and New Halfa in order to test the effect of different sources and rates of N on the growth and yield of bread wheat. Both types of trials used different levels of NPK complex fertilizer, ASN and AS. Compared with the control (zero N), the application of the fertilizers resulted in a significant increase in grain yield at the three locations: 51 160 percent at Rahad, 39 162 percent at Wad Medani, and 13 45 percent at New Halfa. The N-use efficiency for all three sources was at its lowest level with the highest dose of N at all three locations. At Rahad, a single dose of ASN was more efficient under a low yield environment, as were two doses of N as NPK under a high yield environment. In Gezira, one dose of N as NPK or one dose of N as ASN seemed to be more efficient for the low-yield environment and two doses of N as NPK for the highyield environment. At New Halfa, the response to the fertilizers and N-use efficiency for all three sources was relatively low; this warrants futher research. Table 15 shows the productivity of wheat in tow doses of different N form compared to the standard practice. NPK 23 gaves the highest increase at both location. 3. Sorghum In Sudan Sorghum bicolor L. (Moench)is a astaple food crop for more than 75% of the population. It is annually grown on 6 million ha with an average grain yield hardly exceeding 0.5 t ha -1. at the farm level, sorghunm straw is used as animal fodder and fertilizers (synthetic or organic) are raely used for this crop. In recent years, sorghum yield in irrigated schemes have been falling. An NPK complex fertilizer, ASN and AS were compared with urea at Gezira and New Halfa. A considerable yield increase was observed compared with standard fertilization practice using urea, possibly for the reasons mentioned for cotton (Table 16). 4. Sugar cane All Sudan sugar estates at present exist within the Central Clay Plain which is Vertisolic with high clay content. Sugarcane as plant crop and successive ratoons are known to be exhaustive to the soil. It is reported that 100 tons of cane remove from the soil about 100 kg N, 60 kg P2O5 and 150 kg K2O (Bakker, 1999). Like many other crops Sugarcane requires sufficient quantities of N, P, K, Ca, Mg and S as well as the micro-elements: Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Mo and B for its growth and development. Also sucrose content was reported to be influenced by nutrient intensity and balance. Inadequate P in leaf sheath resulted in accumulation of N and K in the juice and in turn lowered sucrose content (Perumal, 1989).

Nitrogen in the from of urea has been the sole nutrient element applied to sugarcane at Guneid for many years. Considerable losses of nitrogen from urea were reported by Tisdale and Nelson (1975). An NPK fertilizer, ASN and AS were compared with urea on sugar cane on the Guneid and Kenana sugar estates. The rates were the equivalent of two, four and six times the basic dose of N compared with four times the basic dose of urea. NPK and ASN at the first two rates produced better yield and, in one trial, an equal yield compared with standard practice. These results need confirming on on-farm plots. Four sugarcane (vartiety Co6806) experiments (Awed et al.......) comprising two plant crops and their successive first ratoons were carried out at El Gunied Sugar Cane Research Farm for two successive seasons. The objective was to evaluate the efficiency of two fertilizer forms namely ammonium sulphate nitrate (ASN) containing 26% N and Nitrophoska (NPK 18:18:5) compared to the standard fertilization practice (4.5 N urea + 2P TSP). The results of cane and sugar yield were statistically analyzed and economically evaluated. The plant crop responded well to the lower dose of the two tested fertilizers (2.25 N) while the ratoon crop responded well to the higher dose of the fertilizers (4.5 N). This disparity is due to the fact that the plant crop is normally preceded by a fallow, thus improving the soil residual nitrogen. Based on yield data, both tested fertilizers at the lower dose (2.25 N) for the plant crop and at the higher dose (4.5 N) for the first ratoon are recommended and suggested as options for sugarcane production in the testing site. Although statistically non significant, three out of four experiments showed higher cane and sugar yields with the use of NPK 18 and ASN compared to 4.5 N urea irrespective of the applied level. Yield of the ratoon crop was consistently higher in the higher dose (4.5 N) of the two compound fertilizers. This is mainly due to the fact that the plant crop is preceded by a fallow (Table 17). 5. Vegetables Vegetable yield is relatively low in these schemes as compared to the average yield in Sudan (Faki et al., 1994) and similar production system of Africa. For optimum and econmic yield carefully studied balanced fertilization regimes should be adopted. a) Onion Onion is the first important economic vegetable in Sudan occupying about 33% of the total area under vegetables producing about 273 thousands tons of bulbs annually representing about 25% of the country total vegetable production (Ahmed, 1994). Onoin in Sudan is produced in two production systems. The first one is found in the riverbanks, the high lands of west Sudan and sedimentary deltas in east Suadn. This system is known by its light alluvial or volcanic soils that characterized by moderate pH and high fertility. The yield of onoin in that system is high ranging between 6.0 12.6 tons per feddan at the high lands of west Sudan (Abu-Sarra, 1991) compared to the average yield in country, which is 5.2 tons per feddan (Ahmed, 1994). The second system is found in the irrigated central clay plain (Gezira and Rahad) areas. Soils in that system have different parent materials and belong to the Vertisols soil order of the U.S. soil taxonomy (Soil Survey Staff, 1999). Field experiments carried out by Asim F. et al 2001 in the winter seasons of 1999/2000 and 200/01 evaluated the effect of different sources of N on the the yield performance of certain vegetables. The experiment were carried out at the Gezira and Rahad Research Farms using three levels of N (1N, 2N and 3N). However, in the

2000/01 season, the 3-N treatment was discontinued at Wad Medani and treatment of 1.5 N was added at the Rahad experiments. These treatments were compared with the standard treatments for tomato and onion (2N as urea + 1P) and control (zero N) in randomized complete block designs. In the experiments at Gezira Research Farm in the 1999/2000 season, the overall average bulb yield was low but the treatment effects were significant. The treatment of 3N as NPK produced the highest bulb yield, but differences in the case of the 1-N treatment, for each of the N fertilizers, were not evident. At Rahad, applying 2N either as AS or as NPK resulted in significant varations in the onion yield. The yield response of onion to different sources and rates of nitrogenous fertilizers was studied by the same auther for two seasons (1999-2001) under the soil conditions of the experimental research farms at Rahad, Gezira and Sennar. The treatment X location X season interaction was very highly significant. Nevertheless, significant yield responses were detected between treatmentmeans at Rahad and Gezira, while the response was insignificatnt at Sennar. Table 18 shows the mean onion yield ranking of N-fertilizers source and rate and superiority estimates over seasons and locations. b) Tomato Tomato is the second important economic vegetable in Sudan occupying about 28% of the total area under vegetables producing about 294 thousands tons of fruits annually representing about 27% of the country total vegetable production (Ahmed, 1994). Tomato in Sudan is produced in two production systems. The first one is found in the riverbanks, the high lands of west Sudan and sedimentary deltas in east Suadn. This system is known by its light alluvial or volcanic soils that characterized by moderate pH and high fertility. The yield of tomato in that system is high, reaching more than 15 tons per feddan at the volcanic of Jebel Marra (Abu-Sarra, 1990), compared to 7.3 tons per feddan average yield of the country (Ahmed, 1994). The second system is found in the irrigated central clay plain. From the field experiments carried out in the winter seasons of 1999/2000 and 200/01 evaluated the effect of different sources of N on the the yield performance of certain vegetables, cited for onion above showed that tomato at the Gezira Research Farm in 1999/2000, under the treatment of 3N as NPK and 2N and 3N as ASN produced the highest tomato yield and significantly out-yielded the standard treatment (2N as urea). There were no significant diferences in tomato yields between the standard treatment and 1N in the case of all three fertilizers. At the Gezira Research Farm in 2000/01, treatment of 1N and 2N as NPK complex produced the highest yield of tomatoes. Significant yield differences between the sources and rates of N were obtained in both seasons. The highest tomato yield was obtained by applying NPK at the rate of 3N, followed by NPK at the rate of 2N. Table 19 shows the mean tomato yield ranking of N-fertilizers source and rate and superiority estimates over seasons and locations. Effect of foliar fertilizer in increasing productivity in some tested crops The purpose of the current experiments, is to formulate balanced fertilization recipes for crops using foliar sprayings.

1. Wheat All the areas where wheat is produced in the Sudan have soils characterstic shown in Table 20. Foliar fertilizers containing macro-and micronutrients have been recently introduced into the Sudan by some private companies. Ibrahim et al. (1991a) conducted a large-scale on-farm trial using different Foliar fertilizers at Hudeiba, Gezira , Rahad and New Halfa. Some locations had more than one site. The foliar fertilizers were applied at different wheat growth stages. Wheat grain yield increased significantly by the application of the foliar fertilizers at all sites. The percent increase in grain yield over the control (86 kg N/ha applied at growing) was in the range of 13 110. The increase in yield was highest in Gezira, lowest in Rahad and New Halfa, and intermediate in Hudeiba. Foliar fertilizers Greenzit NPK, Greenzit NK, Bayfolan and Wuxal Suspension Polymicro, applied at the rate of 3.914.76 1/ha, split equally at booting and two weeks later, resulted in the highest yield. Gorashi (1992) applied Wuxal Suspension Polymicro in New Halfa at the rate of 2.38 1/ha to wheat in plots of size 2.1 ha. The mean grain yield of the foliar-treated plot was 2.86 t/ha, whereas that of the control (86 kg N/ha applied at sowing) was 2.38 t/ha. Mohamed (1992) investigated the response of wheat in Shendi to several foliar fertilizers on Gurier (Shendi) and High Terrace (Messeiktab) soils. There was no significant effect on wheat grain yield grown on Shendi Research Farm Gurier soil which is well known for its high fertility. On the Messeiktab High Terrace soil, some foliar fertilizer treatments resulted in considerable yield increases. Wuxal, applied as a single dose at the booting stage, resulted in the highest grain yield (1383 kg/ha) compared with the recommended practice 2N + 1P (1000 kg/ha) (Table 21). Ibrahim (1992) tested the same foliar fertilizers on two soil types (Karu and High Terrace) at Hudeiba. Wheat grain and straw yields increased significantly on the Karu soil and two applications resulted in higher grain yield than the single application (Table 21). The 1000-seed weight was significantly affected by foliar application. The response of wheat to foliar fertilizers on the High Terrace soil was not significant. Salih (1992) tested several foliar fertilizers at Tayeba Block in the Messalamiya Group of the Gezira Scheme and compared them with recommended dose of the fertilizers (2N + 1P) on large experimental plot of 2.1 ha each. The foliar fertilizers, which were applied at booting, increased wheat grain yield by 10 22% over the recommended dose. The foliar fertilizers Greenzit NPK resulted in the highest wheat grain yield (2473 kg/ha), whereas the control (2N + 1P) gave 2237 kg/ha. Babiker (1992) conducted an on-station experiment and an on-farm trial at Rahad to test the response of wheat to three foliar fertilizers (Wuxal Suspension Polymicro, K101 and K 180) at two rates of application (2.38 1/ha as a single dose given at booting, and 4.76 1/ha dose split-applied equally at booting and two weeks later). All the foliar fertilizers caused increase in wheat grain yield in the on-station experiment. Foliar fertilizer K 101 gave the highest wheat grain yield in the on-station experiment, whereas foliar K 180 gave highest yield in the on-farm trial. Ishag (1992) conducted two trials, one at the Gezira Research Farm and the other a large-scal on-farm trial in the Gezira Scheme, to find out the response of wheat cultivar Debeira to the application of two foliar fertilizers (Wuxal Suspension Polymicro and Bayfolan 11-8-8). The foliar fertilizers were applied at different developmental stages. Wheat grain yield increased by 37% when the foliar fertilizers were applied at ear emergence (Table 22). There were no significant differences between the two foliar fertilizers in the on-station trial. Foliar fertilizer application increased wheat grain yield in some on-farm sites (Messalamiya, 36 %; El Gamousi,

10

44%), whereas in other sites there was no response. The overall average response of wheat to foliar fertilizers in the large-scal trial was 13%. The author belived that foliar fertilizers reduced the deleterious effect of high temperatures common in the wheatgrowing areas in Gezira. Ishag (1993a) further tested the response of wheat to five foliar fertilizers at Gezira Research Station. The foliar fertilizers increased wheat grain yield, but there was no significant difference between the treatments. Foliar Bayfolan 11-8-6 attained the highest grain yield (2.32 t/ha). 2. Tomatoes The purpose of the current experiments, therefore, is to formulate balanced fertilization recipes for fruit-bearing vegetables using foliar sprayings and the available N fertilizers forms with the intension of boosting their yield and quality in the Gezira, central Sudan and to reduce the environmental hazards resulting from excessive use of soil applied fertilizers through the adoption of more efficient and cost effective fertilization technologies. Response of Tomato to foliar fertilization and forms of soil added nitrogen was evaluated by Asim F. et al 2006 in field experiments on El Remeitab benchmark soil series of Gezira Vertisols during the 2004-05 and 2005-06 winter season. Balanced foliar formulations (Asdcofert 20:20:20 + Tr) was used. Foliar fertilization significantly increased total and marketable yields of the studied tomato and irrespective of nitrogen form, the low level of the soil added fertilizers (43 kg N/ha) supplemented with four sprayings of the foliar fertilizers at their high spray ratio (3g or 3ml per litre of water) resulted in similar yield increases as those of the high nitrogen level (86 kg/ha). Economically the low nitrogen level supplemented with the four sprayings of the foliar fertilizers proved to be more cost effective and profitable than the high nitrogen level. Analysis of variance of the tomato total yield combined over the two seasons of the experiment (2004-2005 and 2005-2006) revealed highly significant difference (P =<0.001) between the foliar sprayed plots and the checks and within the tested spraying ratios. No significant differences were detected between the different nitrogen forms and no interaction existed between the tested N forms and foliar spraying rations. This was consistent for the two seasons (Table 23). The data indicated that addition of fertilizers is essential for getting highertomato yield in the Gezira. Treatments receiving soil added fertilizers supplemented with foliar or not were significantly (P < 0.001) superior to that with no fertilizer. Plots treated with 43 kg N/ha (low N checks) were significantly out-yielded by those with the same N level supplemented with Asdcofert foliar sprayings (foliar sprayed plots). However, the differences between the latter and those dressed with 86 kg N/ha (high N checks) were not significant at p = 0.05 level. Table 21 als shows that tomato yield increased significantly (P=<0.001) with the high spray ration of Asdcofert compared to the low ratio, while the difference between plots receiving the low spray ratio of the foliar and the low N checks was not significant at p = 0.05 level. N uptake by the tomato plant as affected by the foliar fertilization treatments is presented in (Table 24). Highly significant differences were detected between the checks and the foliar sprayed plots and among the different spray ratios. Fertilier application significantly increased tomato N uptake (P = < 0.001), whereas, except for ASN, no significant differences were detected between the high N checks and the

11

Asdcofert supplemented plots. Treatments with the high spray ratio significantly scored higher N uptake values than those of the low spray ratio. Uptake differences of P2O5 were highly significant between the foliar sprayed plots and the checks and among the different N forms and between the two spray ratios (Table 23). the highest P2O5 uptake values were scored by plots supplemented with the high ratio of Asdcofert; among these plots ASN and AS significantly out-scored urea. Nevertheless, ASN at the high N level scored uptake values similar to that of ASN and AS supplemented with the high ratio of Asdcofert. Response of K uptake to the fertilization treatments followed similar patern to that of N (Table 24). Fertilizer application significantly increased K uptake and nonsignificant differences were detected between the high N checks and the foliar sprayed plots. Among the latter, plots sprayed with the high ratio significantly scored higher uptake values than those sprayed with the low ratio and the differences between the tested N forms were non-significant at p = 0.05 level. Recommended rates of fertilizer application Field crops The recommended dose for some crops are shown Table 25. 1N = 43 kg N/ha and 1P = 43 kg PO4/ha. Vegetables crops Onion The recommended dose is 43 kg N/ha which can be applied after transportation. Tomato The recommended dose is 43 kg N/ha in split form, first dose at sowing and the second at flowering. Economic evaluation of fertilizers If the relationship between fertilizer and crop prices discourages farmers from using mineral fertilizers to increase agricultural production, then all thoughtfull efforts in planing, manpower and financial contributions to respective technical assistance projects have been in vain. Economic Indicators Farmers are aware that fertilizers increase yields. Cost/Benefit analysis convinces farmers that this investment pays off. Economic indicators make the results comparable. The Productivity Index states the amount of additional yield in kg/ha per kg of plant nutrients applied. The Net Return gives the value of the additional yield per arealess fertilization costs. The Crop : Fertilizer ratio expresses the amount of a particular crop needed to buy one kg of a particular fertilizer. The Value: Cost Ratio (VCR) clearly defines the profitability of fertilizer use. It is the value of the additional yield divided by the cost of fertilizers to achieve this, and should never be below 2. A number of other indicators are used, e.g. the maximum economic yield, the marginal rate of return, the maximum profit rate, the added yield. Economic evaluation from the FAO fertilizer program shown in Table 26 and from the on-farm trials in the Gezira, Rahad, New Halfa, Guneid and Kenana Schemes

12

Table 27 were performed. This involved constructing partial budgets for each crop tested at each location and comparing and evaluating net benefits of the different fertilizer treatments. For cotton, the treatment of 2N as ASN and 2N as NPK yielded higher net returns in the Gezira Scheme. In the case of Rahad, the most promising treatments were: 1N as ASN + 1n as ASN, AND 1N as NPK; while in New Halfa the treatments of 1N as ASN and as NPK were the most profitable. For wheat, the treatment of 1N as AS in Gezira and 1N as NPK in New Halfa were the best options. For sorghum, the treatment of 2N as ASN yielded the higher net benefits in the Gezira Scheme, while treatment 1N as AS proved best in the New Halfa Scheme. In the case of Rahad, treatments of 1N NPK and (1N NPK + 1N NPK) produced the highest net benefits. For sugar cane, the treatment of 2N as ASN gave the highest net returns in Guneid, while a treatment of 4 N as ASN was the most profitable in Kenana. The value/cost (V/C) ratio approach was used to assess the profitability of the promising fertilization treatments for the three fruit bearing vegetables. The value of the increment in marketable yield due to a treatment is divided by the cost of that treatment and ratio of 1 means that the increment in marketable yield just cover the cost of fertilizer application, while a ratio of 2 means 100% profit, and a ratio of 10 indicates that the fertilizer cost is one tenth of the value of the increase in marketable yield. Constrain in fertilizer use There are many constrains facing the best use of fertilizers. These can be classified into three categories: 1. Financial constrains (a) Lack of hard currency for fertilizer import by government. (b) Lack of money by farmers. 2. Administrative constrains these include taxes, methods of transportation and lack of storage at parts. 3. Technical constrains which include research problems. Consumption of mineral fertilizers Rainfed farming, whether mechanized or traditional, rarely uses any fertilizer, although responses of durum wheat and cotton to N and P are reported in high-rainfall areas. Fertilizer is used in the irrigated sector to varying degrees (Table 28). Fertilizers are normally imported, and on the basis of a cultivated area of 16.6 million ha equvilent to 40 mill. fedd. ( Table 29) this amounts to only 4 kg of plant nutrients per hectare. Table 29 lists estimates of the proportions of fertilizers used on the major crops. This maount of fertilizer consumed is really very low especially when compared with other arabian countries (Table 30) and the other world countries (Table 31) The consumption might increase up to 1,000,000 (ton) if all expected area fro fertilization increased in future. These fertilizers are very costing and the cost is alway increasing with time as shown in (Table 32). Table 33 shows how other factor affecting the cost which almost double the price of fertilizer imported/ton.

13

There are many factors affecting the adpotion of technology related with fertilizer recommendation. The most important one is the fertilizer prices which sometimes is almost double the crop price as shown by (Table 34). Fertilizer strategies Mineral fertilizers are most important inputs to obtain the additional food production required now and in the future. However, farmers must be able to afford them, in order to produce more food. In order to develope astratgy, it is first necessary to set an ojective. Though the specific objective will vary, it must be realistic, and achievable. To know what is achievable it is first necessary to analyze the present sitnation in order to high light what is satisfactory and what is not; to understand the factors and contrains involved, their interlationships and the ways and affects of inervening on them on the hases of this knowledge. Fertilizer research and food pricing policies and the development of supply, trade and consumption of fertilizers and foodgrains are essential for agricultural and economic development. Fertilizer subsidies play an important role in many countries. But differing economic conditions require flexible approaches, and pricing policies have to consider national requrements. Futher fertilizer research to cover other areas and crops is essential. This should be followed by imporving all related factors for adpotion of technologies such as extension training and transportation of fertilizer. Summary This paper display the development of the fertilizer use in Sudan particularly in the irrigated sector . It is well known that the major kinds of the soil under irrigated agriculture are characterized by low content of Nitrogen, Organic Carbon, available Phosphors and microelements. Therefore since the begining of last century a series of research trials was carried to maintain soil fertility and increase the productivity. These research activities covered Cotton, Wheat, Sugarcane, Sorghum, Onion and Tomato. The tested fertilizers include the straight fertilizer such as Urea, binary- nutrient such Ammonium Sulphate, mlti-nutrient such Ammonium Sulphate Nitrate (ASN), Nitrophoska (NPK)etc and Foliar fertilizer such Bayfolan (NPK). The results of the research experiments indicate that most crops responded positively to the application of different fertilizers particularly to the multi-nutrient fertilizers. Also the paper used some economic indicators to measure the profitability of the fertilizer use. Finally the paper concludes that further fertilizer research to cover orther areas and crops are essential. This should be followed by improving all related factors for adoption of technologies such as extension , training and transportation of fertilizer.

14

Reference Abu-Sara, A.F.; Abedel Rahim, A.A. and Idris, M.A.M.(2001). Yield response of tomato to different forms of nitrogen fertilizers in the central clay plain of Sudan. Proceedings of the crop husbandry committee, October 2001. ARTC, Wad Medani, Sudan. Abu-Sara, A.F.; Ali E. Khashmelmous , Adil O.S. Abdel Rahim, Abdelaziz A. Hashim and Idris, M.A.M.(2001). Yield response of onion to different forms of nitrogen fertilizers in the central clay plain of Sudan. Proceedings of the crop husbandry committee, October 2001. ARTC, Wad Medani, Sudan. Ageeb, O.A.A. and Abdalla,H.H. 1988. Researcher-managed trials, the response of wheat to NPK fertilizers in farmers' field in Gezira. Paper presented at Third Wheat coordination meeting, 46 September 1988, Agricultural Research Corporation, Wad Medani, Sudan. Annual Reports Agricultural Research Corporation Asim F. Abu Sara, N. A. Ali ; A. Babiker, M. Saeed; K. Hamid; A. A. Hashim and M. M. A. Idris, May (2002). Responce of sorghum to different form of fertilizers and Nitrgen level in some irrgated Schemes of the central clay plain of Sudan. A paper submitted to the crop husbundary committee. Land and Water Research Centre. ARC. Wad Medani, Sudan. Asim F. Abu Sara, N. A. Ali and Abbass Elsir, 2006. Response of some fruit-Beomy vegetables to foliar fertilization under Gezira condition, Sudan. A paper presented al the 41st. Meeting of the National crop husbandry committee. Asim F. Abu-Sara; Ali E. Khashmelmous; Adil O. S. Abed Rahim, Abdelaziz A., Hashim and Mustafa M.A. Idris, 2001. yield response of onion to source and rates of Nitrogen fertilizers. A paper Sebmilted to the crop husbandry committee. Awed E. Moammed , El. Naiem A. Ali, Abbass E. M.E. and M.A. Abana, 19 ?? Effect of different fertilizers form on sugar yield at El Guneid Sugar Scheme. Crop husbandry committee 2004. ARC, Wad Medani, Sudan. Babiker, E.A. 1992. Response of wheat to foliar fertilizer at Rahad. Pages 115118 in Nile Valley Regional Program on Cool-Season Food Legumes and Wheat-Sudan.

15

Bread Wheat Report, Annual National Coordination Meeting, 610 Setmber 1992, Agricultural Research Corporation, Wad Medani, Sudan. Bekker, H. (1999). Sugarcane Cultivation and Management. Kluwer Acsdemic publisher. Pp 155-157. Blokhuis ,W. A. (1993). Vertisols in the centrol clay plain of the Sudan. Ph. D. dgree thesis, Wageningen Agricultural University. Burhan, H.O. 1969. Rotation response of cotton in the Gezira. In M.A. Siddeg & L. Hughes , eds. Cotton growth in Gezira environment, pp. 51-57. Burhan, H.O. 1971. Response of cotton to levels of fertilizer nitrogen in the Sudan. Cotton Grow. Rev., pp. 116-127. Burhan, H.O. and Jackson, J.E. 1973. Effect of sowing date plant, plant population date, nitrogenous fertilizer and insect control on cotton yield and its year to year variation ???? the Sudan Gezira. J. Agric. Sci. C ????., pp. 481-389. Burhan, H.O. and Taha, M.A. 1974. Effect on New cotton varieties of sowing date, plant application and time of fertilizer application. Cott. Grow. Rev., pp. 177-180. Burhan , H.O 1965, Ann , Report (1964-1965) GRS,ARC El Sharif, O. (1992). Detailed soil survey and land evaluation on the Gezira Agricultural Scheme; Wad Habouba Group. Soil survey Adminstration (SSA), Wad Medani, Sudan. El Tom, O. A. (1972). Detailed survey of Gezira Agricultural Research farm soils and their main characteristics. Soil Survey Dept., Wad Medani, Sudan. FAO (1978). Fertilizers and their use. Apocket guide for extension officiers . Third edition revised. Food and Agricnltural Orgnization of the United Nations , Rome. FAO (2006). Fertilizer use by crop in the Sudan, Food and Agricnltural Orgnization of the United Nations , Rome. FAO Fertilizers Programme (1996). Fertilizers programme and related inputs, Sudasn. Food and Agricnltural Orgnization of the United Nations , Rome. FAO/AGLF Data Bank (1989). FAO Fertilizer Programme 1961-1986 Fertilizer and food production Food and Agricnltural Orgnization of the United Nations , Rome. Finck, A. 1962. Potassiumstatus of some Sudan soils. Plant and Soil 16(3): 293311. Groashi,A.M. 1992. Response of wheat to micronutrient application New Halfa. Page 151 in Nile Valley Regional Program on Cool-Season Food Legumes and WheatSudan. Bread Wheat Report, Annual National Coordination Meeting, 610 Setmber 1992, Agricultural Research Corporation, Wad Medani, Sudan.

16

Gorashi, A. M. (1992). Responce of wheat to micronutrients Application at New Halfa page 151 in Nile valley Regional program on cool season food legumes and wheat Sudan, Bread wheat report. Annual National coordination Meeting 6 10 Sep. 1992, Agricultural Res. Corporation, Wad Medani, Sudan. Hamid, F. M. and Saeed, S. B. (2001 ). characterization of Rahad experimental farm soils. ARC, Rahad Research Station, Sudan. Hamid K. A. (2001). Characterization of Argeen soils. Annual report season 2000/2001. New Halfa Research Station, ARC, Sudan Hamad, M.E. and A.I. Adam. 1992. Availability of potassium in three soil series of Central Sudan. The Sudanese Soil Science-Vol I, pp. 51-57. Ibrahim, H.S. 1990. Effect of different levels of fertilizer N and P application on the yield and NP uptake by wheat under the High terrace soils of Northern Region of Sudan. Annual National Coordination Meeting, 27-31 1990, Agricultural Research Corporation, Wad Medani, Sudan. Ibrahim, H.S. 1992. Response of wheat to foliar fertilizer at Rahad. Pages 141143 in Nile Valley Regional Program on Cool-Season Food Legumes and Wheat-Sudan. Bread Wheat Report, Annual National Coordination Meeting, 610 Setmber 1992, Agricultural Research Corporation, Wad Medani, Sudan. Ibrahim, H.S. and Adlan, M.A. 1989. Effect of time and date of N application with P on the yield and uptake of N and P by wheat under two soil types in the Northern Region. Annual National Coordination Meeting, 47 Setmber 1989, Agricultural Research Corporation, Wad Medani, Sudan. Ibrahim, H.S., Babiker, E.A., Gorashi, A.M., Salih, A.A. and Ishag, H.M. 1991a. Response of wheat to micronutrient application in Sudan. Pages 77-81 in Nile Valley Regional Program. Bread Wheat Report-Sudan, Annual Coordination Meeting, 1623 Setmber 1991, Cairo, Egypt. Ibrahim, H.S. and Mohamed, G.E. 1988. Varietal response to N fertilizer on the major soil types in the Northern Region of Sudan. Paper presented at Third Wheat coordination meeting, 46 September 1988, Wad Medani, Sudan. Ibrahim, H.S. and Satti, M.A. 1991. Response of wheat to different levels and times of potassium application in Sudan. Pages 71-76 in Nile Valley Regional Program. Bread Wheat Report-Sudan, Annual Coordination Meeting, 1623 Setmber 1991, Cairo, Egypt. Ibraham, H.S (1992).Response of wheat to foliar ferlilization under two soil types , pages 141-143, in Nile Valley Regional Progamme on cool season food legumes and wheat Sudan. Ishag, H.M. 1992. Effect of foliar micronutrient fertilizers on the yield of wheat in irrigated Gezira. Pages 128-132 in Nile Valley Regional Program on Cool-Season Food Legumes and Wheat-Sudan. Bread Wheat Report, Annual National

17

Coordination Meeting, 610 Setmber 1992, Agricultural Research Corporation, Wad Medani, Sudan. Ishag, H.M. 1993a. Effect of foliar fertilizers on yield of wheat in the Gezira environment. Pages 178-180 in Nile Valley Regional Program on Cool-Season Food Legumes and Wheat-Sudan. Bread Wheat Report, Annual National Coordination Meeting, 29 August2 Setmber 1993, Agricultural Research Corporation, Wad Medani, Sudan. Ishag, H.M. 1993b. Large-scale trial on foliar fertilizers in wheat in farmers' fields. Pages 180-182 in Nile Valley Regional Program on Cool-Season Food Legumes and Wheat-Sudan. Bread Wheat Report, Annual National Coordination Meeting, 29 August2 Setmber 1993, Agricultural Research Corporation, Wad Medani, Sudan. Mohamed, G.E. 1989b. Effect of N level and time of application and P fertilization on wheat grain yield under two different soil types in Shendi area. Annual National Wheat Coordination Meeting, 47 Setmber 1989, Agricultural Research Corporation, Wad Medani, Sudan. Mohamed, G.E. 1992. Response of wheat to foliar micronutrient fertilizer in Shendi area. Pages 154-156 in Nile Valley Regional Program on Cool-Season Food Legumes and Wheat-Sudan. Bread Wheat Report, Annual National Coordination Meeting, 610 Setmber 1992, Agricultural Research Corporation, Wad Medani, Sudan. Mohamed G.E.( 1992). Response of wheat to foliar micronutrient fertili zers in Shendi area . pages 154-156 in Nile Valley Regional Progamme on cool season food legumes and wheat Sudan. Bread Wheat Report, Annual National Meeting 6 11 Sept. 1992, Agricultural Research Corporation, Wad Medani, Sudan. Naeim A. Ali , M. Saeed , K. Hamid, A. E. M. Elamin, A. F. Abu Sara; and Mustafa A. M. Idris, June (2003). Effect of fertilizer form on wheat production Gezira and New Halfa. A paper submitted to the crop husbundary committee . Land and Water Research Centre. Agricultural Research Corporation, Wad Medani, Sudan. Naeim A. Ali , A. A. Hashim, E. A. Babiker, M. Saeed; M. A. M. Idris, and A. M. A. El hassan . June (2002). Responce of imgated cotton to fertilizer form and rate. A paper submitted to the crop husbundary comittee. Land and Water Research Centre ARC. Agricultural Research Corporation, Wad Medani, Sudan. Omer, M.M. 1989. Response of bread wheat to nitrogen and phosphorus application in the Blue Nile Agricultural Corporation. Annual National Wheat Coordination Meeting, 47 Setmber 1989, Agricultural Research Corporation, Wad Medani, Sudan. Perumal; K. (1989). Nutritional ,needs of sugarcane. SISSTA, Madras. Salih, A.A. 1992. Effect of foliar fertilizer on wheat in Gezira. Pages 159-160 in Nile Valley Regional Program on Cool-Season Food Legumes and Wheat. Bread Wheat Report, Annual National Coordination Meeting, 610 Setmber 1992, Agricultural Research Corporation, Wad Medani, Sudan.

18

Satti, M.E.A. 1989. Effect of fertilizer application and soil nutrients on nutrient uptake and grain yield of wheat. Annual National Coordination Meeting, Agricultural ,Research Corporation, Wad Medani, Sudan. Annual National Coordination Meeting .4-7 Setmber 1989, Agricultural Research Corporation, Wad Medani, Sudan Shama, E. Daw Elbeit, N.A. Ali, and O.M. El Shiekh. 1992. Effect of the nitrogen form on the uptake of some nutrient elements by long-staple cotton. The Sudanese .Soil Science No. 1 short communication . . SMSS USDA/SSA (1982). Tour guide. 5th international soil classification ).workshop. Sudan (2 11 Nov .Tandon, H.L.S (1995). Fertilizer and integrated nutrient recommendation for .)balance and efficiency FACO (India Tisdale, S. L. And W.L. Nelson (1975). Soil fertility and fertilizers. Macmillan .551-221 publishing Co. Pp 8791 5991. 11-71 5991. 7891. : . , , - . )( : 49 . 6991. . 6991 , . . - 5002 3 .

91

Table 1. Chemical characteristics for some Gezira Soils. Soil series pH 0.C. % N % P CEC K paste mg/k cmol/ cmol/ gg kg kg

E.C dS/m 0- 30 cm 0.58 0.59 0.74 0.78 2.73 0.82 1.o5 0.74 0.96

ESP % 030 cm 5.91 4.9 11.42 11.1 13 11.4 14.9 11.8 6.44

Zn mg/k g

Cu mg/k g

Fe mg/k g

Mn mg/k g

Wad Elattia Um teribat Wad El Hadad El Rematab El Gomuia El Seleime Gabber El Doma El Doha

8.20 8.40 8.08 8.10 8.10 8.04 8.20 8.00 8.05

0.433 0.475 0.553 0.507 0.515 0.475 0.424 0.542 0.506

0.048 0.046 0.039 0.038 0.040 0.037 0.034 0.037 0.037

2.70 3.07 0.77 3.55 3.54 3.32 3.32 3.04 3.73

83 59 59 56 42 50 53 41 38

1.120 1.180 1.010 0.934 0.960 0.994 0.870 0.790 0490

0.470 0.112 0.395 0.170 0.190 ND 0.195 1.610 0.054

1.13 1.33 1.13 1.03 1.01 ND 0.89 1.20 10.06

8.38 11.14 10.17 10.29 2.72 ND 9.95 10.22 0.86

7.81 6.0 5.79 5.09 4.91 ND 5.03 4.44 4.68

Source : Soil survery Report (Gezira south group),1988.

20

Table 2. Soil characterization of on-station trial sites.

Parameters (Soil Survey Staff 1999) Rahad Typic Haplusterts, very fine, smect., isohy., shuheit soil series ColluviumAlluvium Moderately Suitable land due to vertisolic and chemical fertilility limitations (S2vf) Gezira Locations Sennar Typic Haplusterts, very fine, smect., isohy., Dinder soil series New Halfa Sodic Haplusterts, very fine, smect., isohy., Khashm ElGirba soil series River Atbara Alluvium Moderately Suitable land due to vertisolic and chemical fertilility limitations (S2vf) 63 1.85 0.18 0.28 18

Classification

Nature of Parent Material Current land suitability Subclass

Chromic Haplusterts, fine, smect., isohy., El Remeitab soil series, non sodic phase Blue Nile Alluvium Moderately Suitable land due to vertisolic and chemical fertilility limitations (S2vf) 54 1.71 0.14 0.15 25

Blue Nile Alluvium Moderately Suitable land due to vertisolic and chemical fertilility limitations (S2vf)

Physical characteristics % clay Air Dry Bulk Density (gm/cm3) Coefficient of linear extensibility (COLE) Hydraulic Conductivity (cm/hr) Wetting Front (cm) Avail. Water Cap. (cm) 0 30 cm 30 120 cm Chemical Characteristics % Ca CO3 Ece (ds/m) 0 30 cm 30 90 cm ESP 0 30 cm 30 90 cm pH-Paste % O.C. %N Available P (mg/kg soil) Ext. K {cmol(+)/kg soil} CEC {cmol(+)/kg soil} Soluble Anions (meq/L) SO4 -2 NO3 -1

65 1.80 0.17 0.17 22

62 1.81 0.16 0.37 24

5.16 18.25 2.5 0.3 0.4 2 3 7.8 0.74 0.040 3 0.3 77

6.24 19.84 3.7 0.7 3.7 6 12 8.1 0.36 0.039 2 0.89 54

5.10 17.90 2.0 0.4 0.7 5 10 8 0.52 0.055 4 1.00 64

5.13 17.50 3.2 0.6 2.6 17 25 8.6 0.440 0. 018 1.5 1.00 60

0 1.2 0 1.3

0.8 74.2 2.1 11.5

07 0-5

0.6 6.1 0 -1. 5

Source: El Tom, O.A. (1972); El Sharif, O. (1992); Hamid, F.M. et al. (2001); SMSS-USDA/SSA (1982); Blokhuis, W.A. (1963); SSA (1983); Kevie, et al. (1987).

21

Table 3. Functional Nutrients for plant; uptake forms , conentration, and need for one tone dry matter. Element Form uptake Concentration Need for one tone dry matter N NH4+ + NO-3 1- 5% 10-50 Kg P H2 PO-4,HPO=4 0.1 0.4% 1 4 Kg K K+ 1 -5 % 10 50Kg S SO4-2 0.1 0.4% 1 4Kg ++ Ca Ca 0.2- 1.0% 2 10 Kg Mg Mg++ 0.1 0.4% 1 4Kg Cl CL 0.2 2.0% 2 20 Kg Fe Fe++ 50 250 mg/kg 50 250 gm Mn Mn++ 20 150 mg/kg 20 500 gm Zn Zn++ 25 150 PPm 20 150 gm 3 -3 B H3BO , H2BO 6 60 PPm 6 60 gm + ++ Cu Cu , Cu 5 20 PPm 5 20 gm Mo MoO=4 < 1 gm < 1 gm
Source :Tandon 1995

Table 4. NPK uptake/fedd. ((4200 m2) Crop Yield Uptake Uptake kg/fedd. t/fedd kg/fedd. N P
Vegetable growth Wheat 2 50 8 Barly 2 40 6 Sorghum 2.4 60 14 Patatos 12 56 4 Sugar 22 88 18 Pfeat Peas 3 8 Source: Sudan German Project (1987). Seeds or Fruit growth

Uptake kg/fedd.

K
Vegetable growth Seeds or Fruit growth

16 14 18 20 22 14

24 20 32 24 40 22

26 22 60 12 100 32

10 8 12 72 50 16

36 30 72 84 150 48

Table 5. Effect of Rotation on cotton yield Yield conten*/fed Year Monocroping 1918 - 1919 1919 1920 1920 1921 1921 - 1922 1922 - 1923 3.60 2.22 2.10 1.61 1.51

Yield contain*/fed Cotton /fallow/cotton 4.23 4.98 3.51 3.91 4.00

Source: cited by Osman A.A. 2005, Gezira R.S. (1918 1923).

22

Table 6. Effect of Urea fertilization on cotton yield. Yield conten Dose Gezira R.S. Turabi (on formfied) 0N 2.72 4.94 1N 4.19 5.19 2N 5.21 6.36 3N 5.52 7.04 4N 6.15 7.06 5N 7.16 1N + 1N 5.30 S.E 0.250 0.207 *NB 1N = 18 kg nitrogen per feddan. Source: Burhan 1965. Table 7. Effect of nitrogen from on the concentration of macro nutrients in cotton plant leaf in m Moles/kg. K Ca Mg N P NO3 Urea 770 820 86 1956 87 14 KNO3 916 1529 99 2214 74 35 Source: Shama et. Al. 1992.

Table 8. Effect of nitrogen from on the concentration of micronutrients in cotton plant leaf in PPM. Fe Mn Urea 110 69 KNO3 202 94 Source: Shama et. Al.1992. Zn 28 27 Cu 9 10 B 65 105

23

Table 9. Avarage results of the medium and best fertilizers treaetment of some crops by the FAO fertilizers program 1977 -1986 Application FP yields Area 1986 1000 ha Yield 1986 t/ha Control medium t/ha 1.18 1.30 11.65 8.18 1.83 1.80 1.40 1.66 17.25 12.63 2.11 2.25 18.30 16.57 2.46 2.42 1.91 2.25 26.76 17.32 2.49 2.25 21.89 19.21 2.87 2.81 2.85 3.02 31.21 23.61 best Avg. N + 7.5 7.5 7.5 7.5 7.5 7.5 7.5 7.5 7.5 7.5 medium P2O5 + 144 107 142 160 92 92 69 92 159 101 best K2O kg/ha 177 120 197 196 119 125 143 181 201 199

Crop Wheat 151 1.37 Sorghum 4896 0.74 Potatoes 1 17.69 S. potatoes 2 25.71 Beans 83 131 Brod Beans Groundnuts 513 0.89 Cotton 340 1.29 Onion 5 7.05 Tomato 7 16.43 Source: FAO-AGLF Data Bank.

25

Table 10. Response of different crop to simple and conpound fertilizations. Yield Ton./fedd. Year Simple fertilizer Compound fertilizer Urea + TSP NPK : 23:23:0 Wheat Cotton Cotton Potato Wheat Cotton Cotton Potato Barakat Shabat Barakat Shabat 1989 - 90 0.75 1.44 1990 91 0.69 4.3 6.8 1.30 6.6 10.2 1991 92 0.67 1.35 1992 93 0.70 7.5 1.10 8.5
Source: National workshop on fertilizer use 1996.

Table 11. Acala cotton yield (Kontar/fedd.) season 2000 2001. Dose Gezira Rahad Con/fed % Con/fed % increase increase 2 N Urea 7.7 0 9.4 0 1 NPK 18 8.7 13 9.8 4 1 ASN 8.0 4 10.2 9 1 AS 7.9 3 10.4 11 2 NPK 18 11.7 52 11.3 20 2 ASN 10.3 34 10.3 10 2 AS 7.3 510.5 12 1 NPK 18 +NPK 18 12.5 62 10.7 14 1 ASN + 1 ASN 10.2 32 10.4 11 1 AS + 1 AS 10.3 34 10.5 12 1 NPK 18 + 1 ASN 9.8 27 11.1 18 1 NPK + 1 AS 9.0 17 10.7 14 1 Urea + 1 Urea 8.6 12 9.6 2
Source: Naeim 2002.

N. Halfa Con/fed % increase 7.5 0 8.2 9 7.9 5 7.9 5 8.7 16 11.3 51 9.6 28 8.3 11 8.5 13 9.3 24 8.8 17 10.0 33 8.7 16

Table 12. Akala Cotton yield (kontar/fedd) 2001 2002. Dose Gezira Rahad Con/fed % increase Con/fed % increase 2 N urea 8.1 0 9.1 0 1 NPK 18 8.6 6 7.7 -15 1 ASN 7.6 -6 7.7 -15 1 AS 8.6 6 7.9 -13 N urea 7.1 -12 7.8 -14 2 NPK 11.2 38 11.1 22 2 ASN 9.6 19 10.6 16 2 AS 9.2 14 10.2 3
Source: Naeim 2002.

N. Halfa Con/fed % increase 8.6 0 9.8 14 10.2 19 9.3 8 7.0 -19 11.0 28 10.7 24 11.5 24

26

Table 13. Akala cotton yield (conten/fedd.) 2001 2002. Dose Gezira Rahad Con/fed % increase Con/fed % increase 2 N urea 7.5 0 5.9 0 1 NPK 18 8.5 44 1 ASN 7.1 20 1 AS 7.7 3 6.5 10 2 NPK 18 13.6 81 8.7 47 2 AS 12.3 64 6.5 10 2 AS 11.2 49 6.8 15
Source: Naeim 2002.

N. Halfa Con/fed % increase 4.1 0 8.1 98 6.8 66 4.9 20 8.0 95 6.0 46 6.7 63

Table 14. Response of wheat to N , P and K fertilizers in Gezira.

Treatment (kg/ha) Dirwish Location / Grain yield (kg/ha) Wad Sulfab Kab El Gidad El Gadeed Mean

129 N 129 N 43 43 N-P 86-43 N-P 86-43-43 N-PK 129-64.5 N-P SE ()

4567 4741 3146 4446 4482 5267 257

2347 2287 2839 3061 3139 3370 86

2625 2968 3249 3982 3929 4353 200

1747 1468 2547 2658 2420 3001 93

2822 2866 2958 3537 3443 3993

Source: Ageeb and Abdalla (1988).

Table 15. Wheat yield (kg/fedd.) 2002 2003. Dose Gezira Con/fed % 2001-2002 increase 2 N Urea + TSP 820 0 2 NPK 17 980 20 2 NPK 23 1400 71 2 NPK 18 1140 39 2 ASN 1010 23 2 AS 830 1
Source : Naeim et. al 2003.

N. Halfa Con/fed % 2002-2003 increase 820 0 990 21 1430 74 1130 38 1120 37 1200 46

Table 16. Sorghum yield (kg/fedd.) 2000 2002. Dose Gezira Con/fed % 2000-2001 increase 2 N Urea + TSP 1470 0 1NPK 18 1550 5 1 ASN 1420 -3 1 AS 1380 -6 2 NPK 18 1710 16 2 ASN 1630 11 2 AS 1590 8
Source : Abu Sara et. al 2002.

N. Halfa Con/fed % 2001-2002 increase 1690 0 1810 7 1790 6 1550 -8 1910 13 1770 5 1670 -1

27

Table 17. Sugar Yield (T.S/fed) for the two plant crops and their ratoons. Treatment Plant crop Plant crop Plant crop Plant crop season I season II season I season II 2.25 N NPK 18 5.85 6.85 4.98 5.43 4.50 N NPK 18 6.33 6.53 5.72 5.37 2.25 N ASN 6.16 6.38 4.97 4.77 4.50 N ASN 6.55 6.31 4.76 5.57 4.5 N urea + 2P TSP 5.33 6.29 4.39 4.4 Mean 6.22 6.47 4.96 5.11 SD +0.26 0.21 0.43 0.45 Table 18. Mean onion yield ranking of N-ferilizers source and rate and superiority estimates over seasons and locations. Locations Comb2 Rate/fed Rahad Gezira Sennar 99/00 00/01 Comb1 99/00 00/01 Comb1 99/00 00/01 Comb1
0N 11 11 11 8 8 8 8 9 2N+1P 10 6 8 1 2 1 4 3 1N 5 10 7 3 6 5 3 5 2N 3 2 2 2 3 2 7 2 3N 9 8 9 5 1 1N 4 4 4 6 7 7 2 7 2N 1 1 1 4 4 4 10 3 3N 7 5 5 11 9 1N 6 7 6 7 5 6 1 6 2N 2 3 2 5 1 3 6 8 3N 8 9 9 9 11 Comb1 = Ranking of the combined yield means over seasons within locations. Comb2 = Ranking of the combined yield means over seasons and locations. NPK = Nitrophoska; ASN = Ammonium Sulphate Nitrate; AS = Ammonium Sulphate. 1N = 18 kg nitrogen; 1P = 18 kg P2O5. 9 2 4 5 1 5 7 10 2 8 10 11 3 6 1 7 5 2 9 7 4 10

Nitrogen Source
Control Urea +TSP NPK NPK NPK ASN ASN ASN AS AS AS

Table 19. Mean tomato yield ranking of N-ferilizers source and rate and superiority estimates over seasons and locations. Nitrogen Locations Comb2 Source Rate/fed Rahad Gezira 99/00 00/01 Comb1 99/00 00/01 Comb1
Control 0N 11 11 11 8 8 8 Urea +TSP 2N+1P 6 7 5 7 3 5 NPK 1N 5 8 5 4 2 3 NPK 2N 3 2 2 3 1 1 NPK 3N 1 1 1 ASN 1N 10 10 10 5 6 6 ASN 2N 3 4 3 1 4 2 ASN 3N 4 3 3 AS 1N 9 9 9 6 7 7 AS 2N 7 6 5 2 5 4 AS 3N 8 5 5 Comb1 = Ranking of the combined yield means over seasons within locations. Comb2 = Ranking of the combined yield means over seasons and locations. NPK = Nitrophoska; ASN = Ammonium Sulphate Nitrate; AS = Ammonium Sulphate. 8 5 3 1 6 2 6 3 -

28

Tabe20. Some chemical and physical properties of the soils of wheat producing areas in the Sudan Northern State Property Selaim pH EC (mmho/cm) ESP (%) Clay (%) Silt (%) Sand (%) Total-N (ppm) Organic-C (%) NaHCO3-P (ppm) NH4 acetate K (ppm) DPTA-Mn (ppm) DPTA-Zn (ppm) DPTA-Fe (ppm) DPTA-Cu (ppm) 7.8 1 10 19 50 31 770 0.8 10 Burgaig 8.2 1.3 6 40 26 34 330 0.4 4 Hudeiba
(Gurier)

Nile River State Ed-Damer

(Karu)

Gezira State Shendi 8.1 5 18 25 27 48 120 0.12 2 170 5 1.4 26 0.5 8.1 1.5 12 62 15 23 380 0.4 4 410 0.8

Sennar State 7.9 0.7 14 64 12 24 440 0.45 5 405

Gedarif State 8.4 0.9 12 72 13 15 500 0.5 6 430

White Nile State 8.2 6 30 60 12 28 500 0.37 5 260

(High Terrace)

7.4 0.5 4 28 42 30 850 0.95 15 420

7.8 0.8 10 41 40 19 360 0.4 8 340 14 1.4 10 1.7

29

Table 21. effect of different foliar fertilizer treatments on grain yield of wheat in different soil types. Site/ Grain yield (kg/ha) Treatment
Shendi Research Farm (Gurier soil) Messeiktab (High Terrace soil) Hudeiba (Karu soil) Hudeiba (High Terrace soil)

Control (0 0 N-P kg/ha) Basal N-P Basal + Bayfolan I Basal + Bayfolan II Basal + Wuxal I Basal + Wuxal II Basal + Greenzit I Basal + Greenzit I SE

3184 3124 3055 3075 3085 3125 3421 3190 159NS

555 1000 1111 991 1383 1346 1227 977 177*

3386 3807 4107 2984 4171 4576 4712 237**

2675 2261 2514 2590 2441 2442 2530 125 NS

Table 22. Effect of foliar fertilizer and time of application on grain yield of wheat in Gezira. Time of Grain yield (kg/ha) application DR TSI EE Wuxal Suspension Bayfolan Mean % increase over Ploymicro control 2332 + + + 2632 2707 2670 14.5 + 2986 2686 2830 21.6 + 2970 3049 3010 29.1 + 3111 3265 3188 36.7 + + 3049 3286 3168 25.8 + + 2932 2995 2964 27.1 + + 3365 2799 3082 32.2
DR= Double ridge ; TSI = Terminal spikelet initiation; EE = Ear emergence; + = Application; - = No application. Source : Ishag (1992).

30

Table 23. Total yield (t/ha) of the Tomato cultivar "Elosama Strain B" as affected by foliar fertilization and N forms in the Gezira Research Station, (2004 to 06). 2004-2005 2005-2006 Combined Nitrogen level and form NonFoliar spraying ratio NonFoliar spraying ratio NonFoliar spraying ratio sprayed low high Mean Sprayed low high Mean sprayed low high Mean 43 kg/ha AS 17.1 18.3 20.4 19.4 21.9 22.7 25.5 24.2 19.5 20.5 23.0 21.8 ASN 18.5 19.8 22.8 21.3 22.5 24.6 26.5 25.6 20.5 22.2 24.6 23.4 Urea 18.3 18.1 19.9 19.0 22.4 22.6 26.7 24.7 20.4 20.3 23.3 21.8 Mean 18.0 18.7 21.0 19.9 22.3 23.3 26.3 24.8 20.1 21.0 23.7 22.3 86 kg/h AS 18.9 24.1 21.5 ASN 20.5 25.6 23.0 Urea 19.7 25.1 22.4 Control 14.3 18.8 16.5 Grand Mean 18.8 23.8 21.4 CV (%) 7.7 8.8 8.5
Probabilities and SE's

Check vs foliar Forms (F) Spray ratio FXR

Prob <0.001 0.062 <0.001 0.771

Min. reps 0.84 0.84 -

Max. reps 0.24 0.49 -

Prob 0.001 0.830 0.006 0.636

Min. reps 1.21 1.21 -

Max. reps 0.50 0.70 -

Prob <0.001 0.120 <0.001 0.910

Min. reps 0.73 0.73 -

Max. reps 0.30 0.42 -

31

Table 24. Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P2O5) and potassium (K) uptake (kg/ha) by the Tomato cultivar "Elosama Strain B" as affected by foliar fertilization and N forms in the Gezira Research Station, (2004 to 06). Nitrogen level and N (P2O5) K form NonFoliar spraying ratio NonFoliar spraying ratio NonFoliar spraying ratio sprayed low high Mean Sprayed low high Mean sprayed low high Mean 43 kg/ha AS 85 82 109 96 24.8 25.5 34.1 29.8 141 150 168 159 ASN 94 94 109 101 29.4 30.8 35.3 33.1 154 158 179 169 Urea 86 97 99 98 22.4 22.4 27.5 24.9 148 156 177 166 Mean 88 91 105 98 25.5 28.2 32.3 29.3 148 155 175 165 86 kg/h AS 98 25.5 172 ASN 116 36.2 181 Urea 105 23.9 176 Control 63 19.8 84 Grand Mean 95 27.5 157 CV (%) 10.2 10.5 7.2
Probabilities and SE's

Check vs foliar Forms (F) Spray ratio FXR

Prob <0.001 0.658 <0.004 0.095

Min. reps 5.6 5.6 -

Max. reps 2.3 3.2 -

Prob <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.433

Min. reps 1.67 1.67 1.67 -

Max. reps 0.68 1.18 0.97 -

Prob <0.001 0.384 <0.001 0.953

Min. reps 6.5 6.5 -

Max. reps 2.6 3.7 -

32

Table 25. Fertilizer Recommendations for some crops. Crop Recommendation Location Cotton 2N Gezira Wheat 2N+1P Gezira, North Sudan Sorghum 1N-2N Gezira,Rainfed area Sugar cane 4N Kenana Rice 3N+1P Abu Naama , Gezira Kenaf 2N Abu Naama , Khashm El Girba Maize 2N Irrigated Agriculture Sunflower 1N-2N Gezira , Rahad

Table 26. Economic Factor for different fertilization doses

Crop

Medium NPK Yield ( t/ha)

Control NPK

Economic response
Kg /ha PI VCR

High NPK Yield (t/ha)

Control NPK

Economic response
Kg/ha PI VCR

Wheat Sorghum Sweet potatoes Potatoes Beans Broad Beans Ground nuts Cotton Onions Tomato

1.18 1.30 8.18 11.65 1.83 1.80 1.40 1.66 17.25 12.63

2.11 2.25 16.57 18.30 2.46 2.42 1.91 2.25 26.76 17.32

929 948 8.39 6.65 6.30 6.3 5.08 594 9503 4690

6.5 2.4 8.9 108 52.4 47.4 46.6 6.8 6.6 7.4 6.4 59.6 46.5 12.6 3.2 12.5 1.8 3.1 2.1 13.6

1.18 1030 8.18 11.65 1.83 1.80 1.40 1.66 17.25 12.63

2.49 2.52 19.21 21.89 2.87 2.81 2.85 3.02 31.21 23.61

1314 1216 11.03 10.23 1040 1010 1448 1361 13951 10976

7.4 10.1 56.2 52.1 8.7 8.1 10.1 7.5 69.4 55.2

2.9 2.0 53.3 14.6 4.8 15.8 3.0 4.2 2.5 19.1

Source : FAO/ AGLF Data Bank.

33

Table 27. Econmic Evaluation of compound fertilizers. Location Gezira Rahad New Halfa Crop NPK ASN AS NPK ASN AS NPK ASN AS 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N Cotton * * * * Wheat * * Sorghum * * * * *
Source : Naeim. et al 2002.

Table 28. Mean fertilizer nutrient consumption in the irrigated sector, 2000-02 N P2O5 K2O Fertilizer ('000 tonnes nutrient) Urea 54.3 Triple superphosphate 11.1 Potassium chloride 3.8
Source: FAOSTAT.

Table 29. Total, arable and used areas in Sudan feddan . Total 600,000,000 Arable 200,000,000 Used 40,000,000 Irrigated 5,000,000 Rainfed 40,000,000

34

Table 30. Fertilizers consumption in Sudan cdompared to Arab countries. Cross metric ton. Consumtion Fertilizer 1985 Sudan Arab countries Sudan Arab countries Sudan Arab countries Nitrogen 14140 1378636 1850 733911 134494 1986 92000 1509169 1400 832613 189226 1987 46000 1526025 200 865953 190380 1988 49000 1547619 900 882682 205613 1989 45614 1753942 1848 902295 180925 1990 46920 1693147 21138 786159 189361 1991 73707 1747846 15613 859361 168229 1992 76759 1754829 16365 798600 148989 1993 59400 1728266 15000 825517 148777 8000 863893 146487 1993

phosphorous

Potassium

Table 31. Fertilizer Consumtion in some countries and wheat production Country Germany France Italy China USA Africa Source: Wagnengin University. Fertilizer consumtion kg/arable land Wheat production ton/ha

525 299 161 158 87 10

5.44 5.12 2.56 2.82 2.65 0.50

35

Table 32. Fertilizer import prices, 1995-2005. Urae Year (SD/tonne) (US$/tonne) 1995 19142 73.63 1996 25075 96.45 1997 40896 157.29 1998 29048 111.72 1999 30346 116.72 2000 38653 150.99 2001 22769 87.58 2002 36263 139.47 2003 39658 152.53 2004 56040 215.54 2005 54519 209.69
Source: MOAF; Agricultural Statistics Department, August 2005.

TSP (SD/tonne) 1445 38056 44380 41536 46634 44390 45397 42144 44422 59609 67684 (US$/tonne) 54.02 146.37 170.69 159.86 179.36 173.40 174.61 162.09 170.86 229.27 260.32

Table 33. Costs and margins and prices per ton as a percentage of retail price (November 1989). Urea TSP Item Cost As % of Cost As % of (LSd) Retail (LSd) Retail price price Local value 871.60 48.42 1016.30 56.46 Taxes and levies 87.70 4.87 102.50 5.69 Clearing costs 18.80 1.04 7.70 0.43 Handing costs 35.70 1.98 38.90 2.16 Storage costs (Port Sudan) 4.80 0.27 4.80 0.27 Physical losses 17.40 0.97 20.30 1.13 Transport to ABS branch 400.00 22.22 400.00 22.22 Transport to ABS stores 43.60 2.42 51.00 2.83 Supporting Agric. Ext. Services & 30.00 1.67 30.00 1.67 maintenance of Rural Complexes Total costs 638.00 67.88 655.20 36.40 ABS margins 214.92 11.94 44.99 2.50 ABS agent's margin 75.48 4.19 83.60 4.64 Total costs and margin 928.40 51.58 783.70 43.54 Retail price to farmer 1800.00 100.00 1800.00 100.00 Source : FAO

36

Table 34. Season 1984 85 1985 86 1986 87 1987 88 1988 89 1989 90 1990 91 1991 92 1992 93 1993 - 94 Fertilzer price Wheat price Sorghum price % Fertilizer to wheat % Fertilizer to sorghum

330 1020 612 648 1140 1340 3380 8040 26160 50720

700 770 1010 2400 3000 6000 6100 12000 40000

1316 474 410 1292 1533 2904 12724 7500 8850 27000

150 80 60 50 50 60 130 220 130

30 220 150 50 70 50 30 110 30 190

37