Sustainable Approach to Soybean (Glycine max (L.), Merrill) Production in sub-Saharan Africa

SUSTAINABLE APPROACH TO SOYBEAN (GLYCINE MAX (L.), MERRILL) PRODUCTION IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

Sponsoring Institution

State Agricultural Experiment Station

Project Status

COMPLETE

Funding Source

STATE

Reporting Frequency

Annual

Accession No.

1014589

Grant No.

(N/A)

Cumulative Award Amt.

(N/A)

Proposal No.

(N/A)

Multistate No.

(N/A)

Project Start Date

Oct 7, 2017

Project End Date

Sep 30, 2022

Grant Year

(N/A)

Program Code

[(N/A)]- (N/A)

Recipient Organization
MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIV
(N/A)
MISSISSIPPI STATE,MS 39762

Performing Department
Plant & Soil Science

Non Technical Summary
Non-TechnicalSummary: Sub-Saharan Africa still utilize less modern agricultural technologies despite calls for modernization of agriculture through improved technologies and increased input use such as improved seed, fertilizers, agro-chemicals, machinery, and irrigation. As the world faces limited lands for agricultural expansion, there is need for sustainable intensification of agriculture through increased crop yield per unit area. Soybean is the most valuable grain legume in the world because of its multipurpose and versatile nature, and its ability to develop symbiotically on low nitrogen soils. Sub-Saharan Africa is experiencing significant public policy interest soybean production where resource-poor farmers, mostly women depend soybean crop as the main source of protein for nourishment and sustainable crop for future global food security. Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) is one promising agronomic practice capable of increasing soybean production in sub-Saharan Africa. Under favorable conditions, the symbiotic relationship between soybean and Bradyrhizobia bacteria potentially fix up to 300 kg N ha- I in the soil. Though nitrogen (N) is abundant, it is unavailable for plant use and must be converted in useable forms. The amount and proportion of N2 fixed from the atmosphere depends on several factors: available soil N, genetic background of symbiotic partners and the absence of yield limiting factors. Additionally, response to soybean inoculation depend on temperature, soybean variety, the bradyrhizobial strain, root nodule position, quantity and form of fertilizer N and management practices. Increasing the amounts of N2 fixed in soybean, and the portion of total plant N derived from fixation can result in yield increases. Therefore, research efforts to improving BNF are being applied to both the bacteria and the soybean crop. Crop yields and net income of farmers reduce when essential nutrients and improved technologies are not used in adequate amounts to compensate for costs. Therefore, farmers need to adopt management practices that will increase grain yield whilst reducing cost, so as to maximize yield and net income. Soybean yields can be increased with high-yielding varieties through improved soil fertility management with best management practices (BMPs). Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) together with soil organic matter has been reported to provide adequate nitrogen for optimum soybean production in most instances, making soybean cultivation cost effective for low income farmers. Many decades of research have helped farmers in the efficient use of nutrient application techniques through soil testing, planting dates, nutrient placement and timing to minimize environmental pollution. The Soybean Management with Appropriate Research Technology (S.M.A.R.T) program coordinated by the Mississippi State University Extension Service and supported by the Mississippi Soybean Promotion Board is one novel approach designed to assisting farmers to implementing BMPs and technologies at the farm level. This novel approach uses the latest research-proven practices that can be demonstrated on a farm scale to improving soybean yield and profitability. The greatest promise for increasing soybean yields using today's high-yielding soybean varieties is to improve soil fertility. Soils are barely tested for fertility indicators before planting resulting in limited crop yield and productivity. Knowledge of soil health significantly helps increase farmer profitability by increasing crop yields. Existing knowledge and technology still has much to offer in improving BNF in soybean. The use of high-quality inoculants, education about their benefits and use can make a significant contribution in many countries. In general, the influencing factors on legume yields are: legume genotype (GL), the rhizobium strain(s) nodulating the legume (GR), the environment (E), agronomic management (M) and their combinations: (GL× GR) × E × M.

Animal Health Component

20%

Research Effort Categories

Basic

40%

Applied

20%

Developmental

40%

Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)	Subject of Investigation (SOI)	Field of Science (FOS)	Percent
102	1820	1050	50%
206	1820	1070	50%

Knowledge Area
206 - Basic Plant Biology; 102 - Soil, Plant, Water, Nutrient Relationships;

Subject Of Investigation
1820 - Soybean;

Field Of Science
1070 - Ecology; 1050 - Developmental biology;

Keywords

Goals / Objectives
The major goals/objectivesof the projectare toprovide soybean farmers, practitioners, agricultural development organizations and government with evidence based technical guidance on soybean production, toreplace subjective guidance with science-based and research proven information for farmers and soybean practitioners, toenhance greater capacity and institutional collaboration with the Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (SARI) as the major collaborating partner. The SMART farm approachmodel is innovative capable oftranslating research findingsinto appropriate practices for adoption by smallholder farmers and other production agenies in the sub-region. This iwill be accomplished through soil and seed testing, planting date evaluation, nutrient amendments including phosphorous and inoculum evaluation, soil correction trials, planting methods and varietal performance trial. The projectwillserve as a regionalhub for seed quality, soil improvement, and nodulation research. The SMART Farm approach will include capacity and institution building as the Soybean Innovation Lab team works hand-in hand with Ghanaian researchers and technicians. Researchwill be conducted in all three Savanna Agricultural Research Institute mandate locations in Ghana, headquartered at Nyankpalain the Tolon District (Northern Region) with fields located at Manga in Bawku East Distict (Upper East Region), and Wa (Upper West Region). Preliminary research conducted at the SMART Farm indicates that using appropriate agronomic practices, soybean yields can be increased over 2.5 times the yields obtained currently by farmerswithlocally available varieties.Additionally, the model willserve asan ideal training center for practitioners from countries in sub-saharan Africa due to its regional location and similar climatic conditions. Using the SMART farm model,similar research could be replicatedin Eastern and Southern Africa to improve soybean productiontechniques and innovations in sub-SaharanAfrica as part ofthe pan-African strategy to increase soybean production across the continent.

Project Methods
Experimental Design, Research Methods, and Procedure are outlined based on objectives:1. Fifteen (15) soybean varieties will be evaluated across three locations at Wa, Bawku and Nyankpala. Experimental sites will be identified in cooperation with SARI. Field coordinates of identified fields will be determined and composite soil samples (0-18cm depth) from experimental sites will be taken to determine soil chemical properties before planting. Seed germination percentage will also be determined using the blotter paper method before planting. Trial plots will be laid out in 6-row of 4.5 x 5 m in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) in 4 replications. The main treatment will be variety [(2 early (E), 11 medium (M) and 2 late (L)] maturity varieties, namely; Afayak (M), Anidaso (M), Jenguma (M), Quarshie (M), Salintuya I (M), Salintuya II (L), Songda (M), Suongu-Pungun (E), TG× 1448-2E (L), TG× 1884-22E (M), TG× 1951-3F (M), TG× 1987-62F (M), TG× 1904-6F (M), TG× 1935-10E (E), and TG×1955-4F (M). Each plot will have a row spacing of 75 cm between rows and 5 cm between plants. Varieties will be inoculated with Bradyrhizobium inoculant as directed by manufacturer and a base application of phosphorus fertilizer at 60kg P2O5. Best cultural and management practices will be followed to ensure minimum level of pest interference. Among the data to be collected include growth characteristics as plant height at 50% flower, days to 50% flower, and days to maturity. Soybean will be harvested manually at physiological maturity and yield components will be determined and reported at a standard moisture content of 12.0%.2. Five (5) soybean varieties from SARI releases will be evaluated across three locations at Nyankpala, and possibly at Wa and Bawku. Experimental sites will be identified in cooperation with SARI. Field coordinates will be determined and composite soil samples (0-18 cm depth) from experimental sites taken to determine soil chemical properties before planting. Seed germination percentage will also be determined before planting. The experiment will be laid out in 6-row plots of 4.5 x 5 m in a factorial arrangement in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) in 4 replications. Each plot will have a row spacing of 75 cm between rows and 5 cm between plants. There will be 2 treatments in this experiment; varieties and nutrient amendment. The varieties will include 3 medium (M) and one early (E) maturity varieties: Afayak (M), Jenguma (M), Quarshie (M), Songda (M), and Suong-Pungun (E). Nutrient amendment will include five treatments: phosphorus applied (+P), no phosphorus (- P), seed inoculated (+I), seed not inoculated (-I), both phosphorus applied (+P) and phosphorus applied (+P), and control (-I -P). Phosphorus will be applied at 60 kg P2O5/ha and inoculation as directed by manufacturer. Best cultural and management practices will be followed to ensure minimum level of pest interference. Among the data to be collected include growth characteristics as plant height at 50% flower, days to 50% flower, and days to maturity. Soybean will be harvested manually at physiological maturity and yield components will be determined and reported at a standard moisture content of 12.0%.3. Five (5) soybean varieties from SARI releases will be evaluated across three locations at Nyankpala, and where possible at Wa and Bawku. Experimental sites will be identified in cooperation with SARI and field coordinates determined. Composite soil samples (0-18 cm depth) from experimental sites will be taken to determine soil chemical properties before planting. Seed germination percentage will also be determined before planting. The experiment will be laid out in 6-row plots of 4.5 x 5 m in a factorial arrangement in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 4 replications. Each plot will have a row spacing of 75 cm between rows and 5 cm between plants. There will be 2 treatments: varieties and 4 planting date. The varieties will include 3 medium (M) and one early (E) maturity varieties: Afayak (M), Jenguma (M), Quarshie (M), Songda (M), and Suong-Pungun (E). The 4 planting dates will be spaced weekly based on rainfall regime planted at weekly intervals during July. Phosphorus will be applied at 60 kg P2O5/ha and inoculation at 7 g inoculant per kg of seed across planting dates. Best cultural and management practices will be followed to ensure minimum level of pest interference. Among the data to be collected include growth characteristics as plant height at 50% flower, days to 50% flower, and days to maturity. Soybean will be harvested manually at physiological maturity and yield and yield components will be determined and reported at a standard moisture content of 12.0%.

Progress 10/07/17 to 09/30/22

Outputs
Target Audience:Smallholder farmers in soybean production, particularly women, were the primary target audiences. Other practitioners and collaborators in the soybean value chain were target audience. This category included agro-input dealers, the fish and poultry industries, research industries (BASF and Omya Calciprll), the National Agricultural Research Institutes (Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (SARI), Green-Ef Eco Business Village Ltd, agricultural extension agents of Ghana's Ministry of Agriculture (MoFA), the District Assemblies and University for Development Studies (UDS). EFFORT: Undergraduate/Graduate class, Mississippi State University: Emerging Agricultural Production Technologies for Smallholder Framers in sub-Sahara Africa. Reference to SMART Farm in Ghana. Sept. 6, 2022. Undergraduate/Graduate class, Mississippi State University: Improving Soybean Production for Smallholder Framers in sub-Sahara Africa. Feb. 10, 2022. Framer Groups, Ghana: The secret to high soybean yields. Oct. 27, 2021. Farmer Group, Ghana: Procedure for seed germination testing reference to soybean. Oct. 26, 2021 Changes/Problems:The weather and poor soils remain a major challenge to farmers. The rainfall pattern is erratic and for the most parts the soils are nutrient deficient. Soil testing could be a key component to determining the appropriate soil nutrient amendment to increasing soybean yield per unit area. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The project provided an internship training for Simon Abongo, an undergraduate student in agriculture technology from the University for Development Studies (UDS) practical guidance in field training. Mr. Adam Zakaria, from UDS was provided training for his final field project work as part of a fulfilment for a Diploma degree program in Agronomy during the reporting period. The project provided an opportunity for a one-day field event (research field visits) for over 30 SARI researchers for field tour and training. Provided a wide range of training in pesticide safety that included proper use of pesticides, protective equipment, pesticide safety, storage, disposal, protection of human, animal, and environmental safety How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Field visits, conference and workshop presentations, video, meeting, webinars, newsletters, and bulletins. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? SIL, through the SMART Farm concept in Ghana, conducted: Collaborated with BASF in conducting POST herbicide trial Odyssey (imazethapyr + imazamox and Raptor (imazamox), and PRE- herbicide Stomp (pendimethalin) in soybean for weed control compared with hand weeding. Both herbicides were cost effective compared to handweeding. Raptor has since been registered and released with excellent efficacy as an effective post-emergent weed control product in soybean for smallholder farmers in Ghana. Omya Calciprill lime (CaCO3) trials demonstrated to farmers the need to raise soil pH to suitable levels for soybean production to benefit the highest economic yield. The omission trials of inoculum, phosphorus, lime, and potassium in their various combinations demonstrated to farmers the need to incorporate soil nutrients for the highest economic benefit. This is contrary to farmer perception that legumes do not require nutrient input. Dissemination of previous research findings through presentations to soybean practitioners to provide guidance and decision making to boost soybean yields in Sub-Saharan. Change in perception and attitude in pesticide use and storage. Integrated pest management demonstrated to farmers improved personal safety and reduce environment risk, including safety disposal of used pesticide containers. Expanded the SMART farm effort in Ghana to four other countries in sub-Saharan Africa namely, Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia. The SMART Farms operates through collaboration with in-country National Agricultural Research Systems to provide guidance to improve soybean yields for producers through best agronomic practices. Smallholder farmers clearly understood that basic agronomic practices such as early planting, increasing plant population, row planting, appropriate row spacing, and timely weed control are effective measure to increase soybean yields. The input bundle system changed the perception and thinking of smallholder farmers as the mean to achieve yield profitability compared to a typical farmer practice without input application. Planting with certified soybean seeds with application of inoculum (NoduMax inoculant) and phosphorus (TSP 46 %) provides maximum yield in Ghana. Smallholder farmers have come to the realization that increasing soybeans yield directly or indirectly translates to increased household incomes and nutritional. The overall outcome of the SMART Farm concept is better knowledge and understanding of soybean agronomic and production practices to increase soybean yield of smallholder farmers. There was increased awareness of the importance of soil testing, inoculum and phosphorus use, increased knowledge in cultural practices, and stronger collaboration with development partners and practitioners. Soybean inoculum improves soil fertility levels through fixation of nitrogen and provides residual nitrogen for succeeding crops. Soybean yield is increased from 800 kg/ha to over 2,000 kg/ha. Increased yields ultimately lead to increased income for smallholder farm families, improved protein diet consumption leading to improved health for children and mothers.

Publications

Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Submitted Year Published: 2022 Citation: Awuni, G. A., and D. B. Reynolds. Title: Emerging Agricultural Production Technologies for Smallholder Framers in sub-Sahara Africa. Reference to SMART Farm in Ghana. Class: Undergraduate/ Graduate International Agricultural Systems. Room 15 Lloyd Ricks Watson Building. Contact: Jessica M. Graves, Ph.D. Sept. 6, 2022
Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Submitted Year Published: 2022 Citation: Awuni, G. A., and D. B. Reynolds. Title: Sustainable Soybean Production for Smallholder Farmers in sub-Sahara Africa. Location: Oktibbeha County, Oktibbeha Community Club, 1900-1968 Robison RD. Contact: Graham Oakland. May 13, 2022
Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Submitted Year Published: 2022 Citation: Awuni, G. A., and D. B. Reynolds. Title: Improving Soybean Production for Smallholder Framers in sub-Sahara Africa. Class: Undergraduate/ Graduate International Agriculture. Room 15, Lloyd Ricks Watson Building. Contact: Rima Musser, Ph.D. Feb. 10, 2022.
Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: G. A. Awuni, D. B. Reynolds, D. M. Dodds, N. N. Denwar, A. L. Abdulai, P. A. Asungre, I. I. Yahaya, and P. D. Goldsmith. Manuscript title: Lime, inoculum, and phosphorus input-omissions supplementation in soybean under abiotic stress in the northern savanna of Ghana. Manuscript ID: 992644. Journal: Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, section Crop Biology, and Sustainability. Article type: Original Research. Submitted on: 12 Jul 2022. Under review: http://review.frontiersin.org/review/992644/0/0. Yes, NIFA support acknowledged.

Progress 10/01/20 to 09/30/21

Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience was smallholder farmers (primarily women), agro-input dealers, soybean practitioners from the private (NGOs), and public sectors. The practitioners from the private and public sectors included industry partners from the fish and poultry sectors, research collaborators from BASF, Omya Calciprll, Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (SARI), Green-Ef Eco-Business Village Ltd, agricultural agents of Ghana's Ministry of Agriculture (MoFA), the District Assemblies, and the University for Development Studies (UDS). Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? The project supported the dissertation work of Mr. Sadat Mohammed (MPhil) student, Department of Crop Sciences from the University for Development Studies (UDS), as part of fulfillment for the MPhil degree program during the reporting period. The project provided an opportunity for a one-day field event (research field visits) for over 30 SARI researchers for field tours and training. Provided a wide range of training in pesticide safety that included proper use of pesticides, protective equipment, pesticide safety, storage, disposal, protection of human, animal, and environmental safety. The project supported a training the trainer program to enhance soybean production in Analanmanga and Vakinakaratra (MB-P 16), July 19 - July 23, 2021, and Itasy and Bongolava (MB-P 17), July 26 - July 30, 2021, regions of Madagascar in virtual conferences due to the COVID-19 pandemic. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The results were disseminated through field visits, conferences and workshop presentations, videos, meetings, webinars, news media, and bulletins. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?The project will continue to collaborate with industry partners to scale up the use of products beneficial to smallholder farmers in Ghana. The project will provide guidance on soil testing, input use (inoculum and phosphorus), and basic agronomic practices (planting depth, use of certified seed, and post-emergent herbicide use for weed control) that positively impact soybean yield. Provide best management practices using integrated pest management strategies/tactics to manage soybean pests for optimal yields. The project will continue collaborative research with development partners to provide cost-effective innovations to increase soybean yields for smallholder farmers. Continued support to training and professional development by field visits, meetings, and presentations. Practitioners and agricultural extension agents will be encouraged to use the online integrated pesticide management course as the first step to soybean management guidelines.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? SIL, through the SMART Farm concept, the following trials were conducted in Ghana: Conducted research demonstration trials with BASF Post-herbicide, Odyssey herbicide a.i imazethapyr + imazamox and Raptor herbicide, a.i imazamox and PRE- herbicide Stomp a.i pendimethalin labeled on soybean for weed control compared with hand weeding. Raptor herbicide is yet under registration for use in Ghana. Raptor is a potential candidate with excellent efficacy as an effective post-emergent weed control product in soybean for smallholder farmers in Ghana. Conducted soybean research demonstration trials with Omya Calciprill lime (CaCO3) to determine the minimum lime rate that will increase soil pH and provide the highest economic benefit. Input omission trials were conducted to determine the highest economic benefit with four inputs of inoculum, phosphorus, lime, and potassium, including their 2, 3, and 4-way combinations The SMART Farm research findings were disseminated through presentations to soybean practitioners to guide and make decisions to boost soybean yields in Sub-Saharan. Supported soybean guidance through open access, online pesticide training, and an integrated pest management program to improve personal safety and reduce environmental risk, including safe disposal of used pesticide containers. Developed a disease and pesticide manual for soybean production guidance The SMART farm in Ghana was the hub for soybean expansion to five countries in sub-Saharan Africa, namely, Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, and Madagascar. SMART Farms collaborated with in-country National Agricultural Research Systems to provide guidance to improve soybean yields for producers through best agronomic practices. Results from SIL SMART Farm demonstrated that basic agronomic practices such as planting date, increasing plant population, row planting, appropriate row spacing, and timely weed control enhance soybean yields. SMART Farm trials demonstrated soybean profitability with input bundle application through increased soybean yields compared to typical farmer practice without input application. Planting with certified soybean seeds with inoculum (NoduMax inoculant) and phosphorus (TSP 46 %) provides maximum yield in Ghana. Increased soybeans yield directly or indirectly translates to increased household incomes and nutritional benefits among smallholder farm families. SMART Farm concept adopts a holistic approach to soybean production practices that translates to increased awareness and adoption of best management practices such as soil testing, inoculum, and phosphorus use, advanced knowledge in weed control practices, and more vital collaboration with development partners and practitioners. Soybean inoculum supplies atmospheric nitrogen to enhance soil fertility through the biological fixation of nitrogen for soybean crops and residual nitrogen for succeeding crops. Soybean yield increased by 2.5 times (800 kg/ha to 2,400 kg/ha), which ultimately led to increased income for smallholder farm families and improved protein diet consumption, leading to improved health for children and mothers.

Publications

Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: a. A1Radio online, October 28, 2021. "Soybean farmers urged to use herbicides to improve farming" https://www.a1radioonline.com/44929/soybean-farmers-urged-to-use-herbicides-to-improve-farming/index.html.
Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: b. News Ghana online. October 28, 2021. "Farmers schooled on technology-driven soybean production" https://newsghana.com.gh/farmers-schooled-on-technology-driven-soybean-production/.
Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: c. B&FT online, November 2, 2021. "CSIR-SARI sensitizes farmers on soybean management practices. "https://thebftonline.com/2021/11/04/csir-sari-sensitises-farmers-on-soybean-management-practices/.
Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2021 Citation: Title: Procedure for seed germination testing concerning soybean. Training the trainers conference meeting for West Africa Rice Company (WARC) In Ghana. Sponsored Organization: Soybean Innovation Lab (SIL). Gariba Lodge, Tamale, Ghana. Date: October 26, 2021. Awuni, G. A., D. B. Reynolds, and P. Goldsmith.
Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Submitted Year Published: 2021 Citation: Awuni, G. A., D. B. Reynolds, and P. Goldsmith. Presentation title: Procedure for seed germination testing reference to soybean. Oral presentation. Train the trainer conference meeting for West Africa Rice Company (WARC). Sponsored Organization: Soybean Innovation Lab (SIL). Gariba Lodge, Tamale, Ghana. Date: October 26, 2021.
Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Submitted Year Published: 2021 Citation: Awuni, G. A., S. Mohammed, and M. Mohammed. Role: Organizer and Presenter. Presentation title: The secret to high soybean yields. Presentation type: Field Day presentation with smallholder farmers and soybean practitioners. Conference/Meeting Name: Agricultural Research Institute & the Soybean Innovation Lab SMART Farm Field Day, Nyankpala, Ghana. Sponsored by Soybean Innovation Lab (SIL) /Mississippi State University. October 27, 2021.
Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Submitted Year Published: 2021 Citation: Awuni, G. A., S. Mohammed, and M. Mohammed. Role: Organizer and Presenter. Presentation Title: "The Secret to High Soybean Yields?. Presentation type: Workshop presentation. Conference/Meeting Name: Agricultural Research Institute & the Soybean Innovation Lab SMART Farm Workshop. Sponsored by Soybean Innovation Lab (SIL) /Mississippi State University. Date: October 27, 2021. SARI Conference Center, Nyankpala, Ghana.
Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: d. Vaultz news online, October 28, 2021. "SIL sensitizes farmers on technology-driven soybean production" https://thevaultznews.com/business/agribusiness/sil-sensitizes-farmers-on-technology-driven-soybean-production/
Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Title: Field Guide to African Soybean Diseases, Pests and Nutrient Deficiencies. Awuni, G.A, G. Hartman, H. M. Murithi, N. Lee, M, Pawlowski, and D. B. Reynolds (2021). International Association for the Plant Protection Sciences (IAAP). Global Plant Protection News. Available online: https://iapps2010.me/2021/04/02/field-guide-to-african-soybean-diseases-pests-nutrient deficiencies/.
Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2021 Citation: SMART Farm Ghana: 2021 Agronomic Report. Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Soybean Value Chain Research (Soybean Innovation Lab, SIL). Report Submitted by George Awuni.
Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Submitted Year Published: 2021 Citation: Awuni, G. A. Organizer and Presenter. Date: October 28, 2021. Presentation Title: Importance of input amendment and herbicides in soybean the SMART Farm story in northern Ghana. Presentation type: Field presentation with SARI Researchers. Conference/Meeting Name: A Field Day presentation with Savanna Agricultural Research Institute & Soybean Innovation Lab SMART Farm. Sponsored by Soybean Innovation Lab (SIL)/Mississippi State University. Accepted October 28, 2021.

Progress 10/01/19 to 09/30/20

Outputs
Target Audience:The primary target audience are smallholder farmers (mostly women), agro input dealers and soybean practitioners. Others include the fish and poultry industries, collaborators such as BASF, Omya Calciprll, Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (SARI), Green-Ef Eco Business Village Ltd, agricultural agents of Ghana's Ministry of Agriculture (MoFA), the District Assemblies and University for Development Studies (UDS). Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The project provided an opportunity for Mr. John Bosco Onuaha an agronomy student from the University for Development Studies (UDS) practical guidance on his field project work as part of a fulfilment for BSc degree program during the reporting period. The project provided an opportunity for a one-day field event (research field visits) for over 30 SARI researchers for field tour and training. Provided a wide range of training in pesticide safety that included proper use of pesticides, protective equipment, pesticide safety, storage, disposal, protection of human, animal, and environmental safety. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Field visits, conference and workshop presentations, videos, meeting, webinars, newsletters, and bulletins. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?SIL will continue to collaborate with industry partners to scale up use of products beneficial to farmers in Ghana. Provide farmers guidance in soil testing, input use (inoculum and phosphorus) and basic agronomic practices (planting depth, use of certified seed, and post-emergent herbicide use for weed control) that impact positively on soybean yield. SIL will continue to collaborate with development partner that provide cost effective innovations to increase soybean yields. Best management practices using integrated pest management strategies/tactic to manage pest from vegetative through reproductive to maturity stages for optimal yields. SIL will continue to provide opportunities for training and professional development through field visits, meetings, and presentations. Practitioners and agricultural extension agents will be encouraged to use the online integrated pesticide management course as the first step to soybean management guideline.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? SIL through the SMART Farm concept in Ghana conducted: Conducted research demonstration trials with BASF Post- Odyssey herbicide a.i imazethapyr + imazamox and Raptor herbicide, a. i imazamox and PRE- herbicide Stomp a. i pendimethalin labelled on soybean for weed control compared with hand weeding. Raptor herbicide yet to be registered for use in Ghana. Raptor clearly is a potential candidate with excellent efficacy as an effective post-emergent weed control product in soybean for smallholder farmers in Ghana. Conducted research demonstration trial with Omya Calciprill lime (CaCO3) to determine the minimum lime rate that will increase soil pH and provide the highest economic benefit. Conducted omission trials on four inputs of inoculum, phosphorus, lime, and potassium including their 2, 3, and 4-way combinations to determine the highest economic benefit. Dissemination of previous research findings through presentations to soybean practitioners to provide guidance and decision making to boost soybean yields in Sub-Saharan. Supports a free, open access, online pesticide integrated pest management program to improve personal safety and reduce environment risk, including safety disposal of used pesticide containers. Supported the expansion of SMART farm effort to five countries in sub-Saharan Africa namely, Ghana, Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia. The SMART Farms operates through collaboration with in-country National Agricultural Research Systems to provide guidance to improve soybean yields for producers through best agronomic practices. Results from SIL SMART Farm demonstrated that basic agronomic practices such as planting date, increasing plant population, row planting, appropriate row spacing, and timely weed control are effective measure to increase soybean yields. Results from SMART Farm trials demonstrated soybean profitability with input bundle application through increased soybean yields compared to typical farmer practice without input application. Planting with certified soybean seeds with application of inoculum (NoduMax inoculant) and phosphorus (TSP 46 %) provides maximum yield in Ghana. Increased soybeans yield directly or indirectly translates to increased household incomes and nutritional benefits among smallholder farm families. The overall outcome of the SMART Farm concept is better knowledge and understanding of soybean agronomic and production practices of target beneficiaries. There is increased awareness and importance of soil testing, inoculum and phosphorus use, increased knowledge in cultural practices, and stronger collaboration with development partners and practitioners. Soybean inoculum improves soil fertility levels through fixation of nitrogen and provides residual nitrogen for succeeding crops. Soybean yield is increased from 800 kg/ha to over 2,000 kg/ha. Increased yields ultimately lead to increased income for smallholder farm families, improved protein diet consumption leading to improved health for children and mothers.

Publications

Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: G. A Awuni, D. B. Reynolds, P. D. Goldsmith, C. A Tamimie, and N. N. Denwar. Agronomic and economic assessment of input bundle of soybean in moderately acidic Savanna soils of Ghana. First published online 14 September 2020. https://doi.org/10.1002/agg2.20085.
Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2020 Citation: Boosting soybean yields through evidence-based agronomic practices. A field day presentation at the Savanna Agricultural Research Institute, Nyankpala. By George Awuni 10/22/2020.
Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: The Reflector: MSU professor from Ghana works for advancement of his hometown community by Maggie Roberts | Staff Writer Sep 27, 2020 Updated Sep 28, 2020. http://www.reflector-online.com/news/article_7d0b0828-010e-11eb-b7bf-47a7a9161168.html.

Progress 10/01/18 to 09/30/19

Outputs
Target Audience:Soybean farmers largely smallholders, women and pesticide users. The feed and poultry industries that use soybean as a feed product, collaborating partners such as BASF, Omya, and the Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (SARI), personnel of governmental agencies such as technical officers from Ministry of Agriculture (MoFA), and public policy institutions such the District Assemblies and University for Development Studies (UDS). Others include local agro-chemical dealers such as Garnoma Agro-chemical Ltd, Antika Agro-chemical Ltd and Wumpini Agro-chemical Ltd. Also included were local seed companies e.g Heritage Seed Company. Other target audience were NGOs for example Green-ef Eco Village Business. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The project engaged one agronomy student from the University for Development Studies (UDS), Mr. Bismarck Anaane on his field project as part of a fulfilment for BSc degree program during the reporting period. The project provided an opportunity for a one-day field event (kick-off event) for over 200 soybean farmers and practitioners for field tour and workshop at the SARI conference hall. The project provided training in-person pesticide training program and a free, open access, online integrated pest management course to improve personal safety and reduce environment risk, including safety disposal of used pesticide containers. The online training course provides agricultural extension agents and practitioners the synopsis of integrated pest management practices. SIL SMART Farm innovations and technologies scaled through other Sub-Saharan Africa countries provides an opportunity for training from the Ghana success story for soybean development. SIL provided a wide range of training in pesticide safety that covered various issues including the proper use of pesticides, protective equipment, pesticide safety, storage, disposal, protection of human, animal and environmental safety. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Field visits, conference and workshop presentations, videos, meeting, webinars, newsletters and bulletins. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?SIL will continue to collaborate with industry partners to scale up us of products beneficial to farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa. These include international industry partners such as BASF and local partners such as RGM that offer products to farmers sourced from Research and Development intensive producers across the world. SIL will collaborate with Omya Calciprill on liming trials to provide guidance of soil pH improvement methods to soybean farmers. Basic agronomic practices that impact positively on soybean yield at planting such as inoculation, nutrient bundling, planting depth, use of certified seed, and post-emergent herbicide use in weed control for soybean will continue to be central to the project. SIL will continue to collaborate and partner with BASF and RGM on testing post-emergent herbicide products in soybean as a cost effective weed control measure in soybean. Best management practices using integrated pest management strategies/tactic to manage pest from vegetative through reproductive to maturity stages for optimal yields. SIL will continue to provide opportunities for training and professional development through field visits, meeting and presentations. Practitioners and agricultural extension agents will be encouraged to use the online integrated pesticide management course as the first step to soybean management guideline.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? SIL through the SMART Farm concept in Ghana: Worked in partnership with BASF for soybean development in finding innovative and effective ways of weed control using 2 BASF post-emergent soybean products, Odyssey herbicide (imazethapyr + imazamox active ingredient) at 80 g ai/ha and Raptor herbicide (imazamox). This innovation cuts down weed control cost and saves human labor and time substantially. Raptor herbicide is NOT yet registered in Ghana for use and is a potential candidate that could be registered as an effective post-emergent weed control product in soybean Partnered for soybean development in Ghana with Omya product Calciprill lime (CaCO3) to reducing the effects of soil acidity by raising low soil pH to improve soil fertility to boost soybean yields. Provided scientific data and analysis in partnership with international researchers to develop evidence-based technical guidance and decision making to boost soybean yields in Sub-Saharan. Directly engaged with over 200 soybean practitioners in-country through the annual soybean kick-off events to translate research findings into effective development programs. The use of inputs such as inoculum, phosphorus fertilizer, lime and post-emergent herbicides have demonstrated the possibility to boost soybean yields from < 1,000 kg/ha to >2,000 kg/ha (over 100% increase in soybean yield) in Ghana. Traditionally, the use of inputs in legume production with smallholder farmer level is not a common practice. Developed in-person pesticide training program and a free, open access, online pesticide integrated pest management program to improve personal safety and reduce environment risk, including safety disposal of used pesticide containers. Through the Ghana success story, SIL has successfully scaled the SMART Farm technology to four more African countries in Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia. The SMART Farms will operate in collaboration with in-country National Agricultural Research Systems to provide recommendation to improve soybean yields for producers through best agronomic practices. SIL SMART Farm in Ghana has demonstrated that basic agronomic practices such as planting date, increasing plant population and using narrow row spacing is an effective weed control measure and a boost to soybean yields. The SMART Farm in Ghana has demonstrated profitability of soybean with various input bundle treatments through increased soybean yields compared to typical farmer practice without inputs addition. The inputs treatments included certified soybean seeds only (control), inoculum (NoduMax inoculant) only, lime (Calciprill) only, phosphorus (TSP 46 %) only, and combinations. Boosting soybean yield through the SMART Farm concept directly or indirectly translates to increases in household incomes and nutritional values among smallholder farm families. The overall outcome of the SMART Farm concept is better knowledge and understanding of soybean agronomic and production practices to target beneficiaries. There has been an increased awareness and importance of soil testing, inoculum and phosphorus use, increased knowledge in cultural practices, and stronger collaboration with development partners and practitioners. Soybean inoculum improves soil fertility levels from residual nitrogen through biological nitrogen fixation for succeeding crops in cropping systems. Soybean yield can be increased from 800 kg/ha to over 2,000 kg/ha. Increased yields ultimately lead to increased income for smallholder farm families, improved protein diet consumption leading to improved health for children and mothers.

Publications

Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2017 Citation: Boosting Soybean Yields Through Evidence-based Agronomic Practices. A field day presentation at the Annual SARI Researcher Presentation at the Savanna Agricultural Research Station, Nyankpala by George Awuni - 10/10/2017.
Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2017 Citation: Boosting Soybean Yields Through Evidence-based Agronomic Practices. A field day presentation at the 3rd Annual Ghana Soybean Kick-off Event at the Savanna Agricultural Research Station, Nyankpala. By George Awuni 10/16/2017. Retrieved http://soybeaninnovationlab.illinois.edu/third-annual-ghana-soybean-kick-event
Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2017 Citation: Pesticide Management. Presented at Wa SARI Out Station (Oct 13, 2017), Bawku MOFA Office (Oct 14, 2017) and at SARI, Nyankpala (Oct 16, 2017) by Dr. Daniel B. Reynolds. Retrieved http://soybeaninnovationlab.illinois.edu/sites/soybeaninnovationlab.illinois.edu/files/Pesticide%20Management%20-%20Dr.%20Dan%20Reynolds.pdf
Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2017 Citation: Soil Fertility for Soybean. Presented at third Annual Ghana Soybean Kick-off Event SARI Conference Hall, Nyankpala. 10/16/2017 by George Awuni. Retrieved from http://soybeaninnovationlab.illinois.edu/sites/soybeaninnovationlab.illinois.edu/files/Soil%20Fertility%20for%20Soybean%20-%20Dr.%20George%20Awuni_0.pdf.

Progress 10/07/17 to 09/30/18

Outputs
Target Audience:Target audience included smallholders that were largely women. Other target beneficiaries were poultry and livestock farmers, personnel of governmental agency such as technical officers from the Tolon District of the Ministry of Agriculture (MoFA), public policy Institutions such as the District Assemblies and public institution as the Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (SARI) and University for Development Studies (UDS). Due to the increasing soil acidity problems in tropical soils such as in Ghana, require soil correction programs such as liming. The demand for soybean is far greater than supply and therefore, require improved methods of production to increase soybean yields among smallholder farm systems. Results from the project within the reporting period was published in the Soybean Innovation Laboratory (SIL) website available online. Four presentations were made to target audience through conferences, workshops, and meetings. One-day field plot tours was organized to enable target audience to have a personal observation of trial outcomes firsthand in the field. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The project engage one MS student for internship training during the reporting period. The project provided an opportunity for a one-day field event (kick-off event) for soybean farmers and practitioners for field tour and workshop at the SARI conference hall. The project hosted a one day training and field visit for a technical team from the Church of Brethren (COB) Global Food Initiative based in US, Nigeria, and Liberia led by Dr. Dennis Thompson. The project provided training on Pesticide Applicator Certification - Core Manual and Demonstration and Research for USAID-SIL researcher partners from Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (SARI), Ethiopia, USA and Zimbabwe. This training covered a wide range of issues including the proper use of pesticide protective equipment, pesticide safety, storage, disposal, protection of human, animal and environment from pesticide effect etc. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Field visits, conference and workshop presentations, videos, meeting, webinars and newsletters. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?The project will collaborate with Omya Calciprill on liming trials due to the low soil pH values. Agronomic practices that influence positively on yield at planting such as inoculation, nutrient application, planting depth, use of certified seed, and herbicide use for weed control. The project will collaborate with BASF for the use of Odyssey herbicide as a weed control measure in soybean. Best management practices using integrated pest management strategies to manage pest from vegetative through reproductive to maturity stages for optimal yields. The project will continue to provide opportunities for training and professional development through filed visits, meeting and presentations. Pesticide training for farmers will be conducted in all three locations.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? SMART trials were conducted at three locations in northern Ghana at Manga in Bawku East District (Upper East Region), Tanina in Wa West District (Upper West Region) and Nyankpala in Tolon District (Northern Region).The following activities were accomplished within the reporting period: Fifteen (15) soybean varieties 1) Anidaso; 2) Afayak; 3) Jenguma; 4) Quarshie; 5) Salintuya I; 6) Salintuya II; 7) Songda; 8) Soung-Pungun; 9) TGX 1448-2E; 10) TGX 1844-22E; 11) TGX 1937-3F; 12) TGX 1987-62F; 13) TGX 1904-6F; 14) TGX 1935-10E; 15) TGX 1955-4F were tested for germination percentage. Seed germination test was conducted using the blotter paper method. Percentage germination was from 79 - 80%. Composite soil samples were obtained in all three locations through soil sampling. Each location had twenty-five (25) core samples extracted to a depth of 15 cm (6?), and separated into 0 - 8 cm (0 - 3?) and 8 - 15 cm (3 - 6?) soil depths. The soils were shipped to Waypoint Analytical Lab. Inc. Memphis, USA by following international protocols for analysis. Manga (Bawku) soils were classified as sandy, Tanina (Wa) loamy sand and Nyankpala as loamy soils. Soil pH for Nyankpala and Tanina soils were within medium acidity (5.6 - 6.1) and Manga soils were strongly acidic (5.3-5.5). Phosphorus and potassium levels were serious limiting soil nutrients in all locations. Fifteen (15) soybean varieties were evaluated for growth characteristics and yield. The varieties included: 1) Afayak; 2) Anidaso; 3) Jenguma; 4) Quarshie; 5) Salintuya I; 6) Salintuya II; 7) Songda; 8) Soung-Pungun; 9) TGX 1448-2E; 10) TGX 1884-22E; 11) TGX 1937-3F; 12) TGX 1987-62F; 13) TGX 1904-6F; 14) TGX 1935-10E; 15) TGX 1955-4F. Experimental design was randomized complete block (RCB) with six (6) row plots (22.5 m2) with four replications at a spacing of 5 cm x 75 cm. Soybean seeds were inoculated with a peat-based Rhizobium inoculant (Legume Technology Ltd, Nottingham, UK) at 9 g to 1 kg soybean seeds. Phosphorus was applied as Triple Superphosphate (TSP) at 60 kgP2O5/ha. Yield was significantly different (P<0.05) among locations, but varieties were not significantly different within locations. Five (5) varieties were evaluated to determine the impact of phosphorus/ or inoculum on soybean yield and Nyankpala and Wa. The varieties were: 1) Afayak; 2) Jenguma; 3) Quarshie; 4) Songda; 5) Soung-Pungun. The experiment was a split-plot in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) in a 5 x 4 factorial arrangement. Variety was the main plot and nutrient application as subplots. Nutrients applied included; inoculum and phosphorus (+I +P), inoculum applied without phosphorus (+I -P), phosphorus applied without inoculum (-I +P) and a control (-I -P). Rhizobium inoculant (LEGUME Technology Ltd.) was applied at 9 g to 1 kg soybean seeds. Treatment plots were six (6) row plots (22.5 m2) in four replications with 5 cm x 75 cm spacing. Phosphorus was applied as Triple Superphosphate (TSP) at 60 kg P2O5/ha to P plots only. Yield was significant different between location as well as input application. The Nyankpala location had higher yields than Wa location, and application of inoculum and phosphorus resulted in greater yields. Five (5) varieties were evaluated to determine the impact of planting dates on yield performance at Nyankpala location. The experimental design was a split-plot in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with a 5 x 4 factorial arrangement. Variety was the main factor that included: 1) Afayak; 2) Jenguma; 3) Quarshie; 4) Songda; 5) Soung-Pungun. Planting dates was the subplot: 1) 07/01/16; 2) 07/08/16; 3) 07/22/16; 4) 07/29/16. Treatment plot were six (6) row plots (22.5 m2) on four replications with spacing 5 cm x 75 cm. Phosphorus and inoculum were applied as based treatment with Triple Superphosphate (TSP) at 60 kg P2O5/ha, and Rhizobium inoculant (LEGUME Technology Ltd, UK) at 9 g to 1 kg soybean seeds, respectively across planting dates. Yield was significantly different among planting dates. Yield was greater for the first planting date compared to the rest of the planting dates. No significant difference as observed between the second and third planting dates. Phosphorus calibration trial was conducted to determine the impact of five different phosphorus application rates on yield performance with Jenguma variety. The experimental was a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications. There were six treatment rating that included; 30 kg P2O5/ha, 60 kg P2O5/ha, 90 kg P2O5/ha, 120 kg P2O5/ha, 150 kg P2O5/ha, and Control (No treatment). Treatment plots were six (6) row plots (22.5 m2) with plant spacing of 5 cm x 75 cm. Rhizobium inoculum (LEGUME Technology Ltd, UK) was applied at 9 g to 1 kg soybean seeds. Application of 60 kg P2O5/ha had the greatest marginal yield returns. The outcome of these trials has resulted in better knowledge and understanding of soybean agronomic and production practices to target beneficiaries. For example, there has been increased awareness and importance of soil testing, inoculum and phosphorus use, increased knowledge in cultural practices, and stronger collaboration with development partners and practitioners. Secondly, inoculum use improves soil fertility levels from residual nitrogen through biological nitrogen fixation for succeeding crops in cropping systems. The technology can improve over 80 % of northern Ghana's soils with limiting nitrogen levels in the soil. The benefits of Rhizobia inoculants include nitrogen fixation from the atmosphere, improves growth of beneficial soil microorganisms and soil organic matter, increased control of Striga weed in the cereal dominated cropping system of northern Ghana where Striga is prevalent. Thirdly, there is improved soybean yield from 800 kg/ha to over 2,000 kg/ha (about 150% increase in yield). Increased yields ultimately leads to increased income for smallholder farm families, improved protein diet consumption leading to improved health for children and mothers. Fourthly, the use of inoculum is cost savings and affordable instead of mineral fertilizer. For example, the cost of 250 g ha-1 of legume inoculant product at GHC 96.00 ($24.00) compared to two-50 kg bag Urea fertilizer product at GHC 180.00 ($45.00) per bag that does the same job. Inoculants easier to transport and store as well as increase premium as this can be organic farming. Fifthly, the use of biological nitrogen fixation could potentially reduce risk to the environment, animals and humans compared with chemical fertilizer use. Good candidate for smallholder farmer environment for sustainable farming.

Publications