Many times scientists have considered maximum yields in developingfertilizer recommendation with no emphasis on the economics involved. However,it has been noted that the rate of fertilizer use, that results in the highestyield does not necessarily translate into the highest economic benefit to thefarmer. This therefore provided the basis for developing the optimal phosphaterate for maximum lablab seed yield and marginal rate of return as best betpractices. These management practices were used to develop a fertilizerapplication rate at which lablab seed yields are sufficient with a goodmarginal rate of return. This was intended to ensure that the farmers benefitfrom every shilling invested in lablab seed production.

Using these management practices, the highest seed yield of 1753kg ha^-1 was obtained at 30 kg of P₂0₅ ha^-1and was 40% higher than that of the control (1253 kg ha-1). Dominance analysisindicated that treatments of 80 kg ha^-1 and 100 kg ha^-1were dominated and their net benefits were estimated at Ushs 3,976,000 (approx.US$ 1,590.4) and Ushs 3,997,600 (approx. US$ 1,599) respectively, which werelower than Ushs 4,009,600 (approx. US$ 1,603.8) for the control. In Uganda,marginal analysis showed that the Marginal Rate of Return (MRR) from 0 to 15and 30 kgP₂O₅ was 500% and 700 % respectively. Raisingfertilizer application rate from 15 to 30 kgP₂O₅ resultedin a MRR of 274 %. Also the MRR for treatment of 15 and 30 kgP₂0₅ha-1 were higher than the minimum acceptable rate of return (50%) by farmers.The study concluded that the rate of 30 kg P₂O₅ha^-1was the most economically viable for seed production in Uganda. This impliesthat for every shilling invested in fertilizer application, farmers can expectto recover 1.00 Ushs in addition to Ushs. 274.

This best practice provides useful information on economicallyoptimal phosphate rate for lablab yields, as well as application rate with thehighest marginal rate of return. The technology is intended to benefit allcommunity members, but lends itself significantly to the context of womenfarmers, who constitute majority of small scale livestock farmers. Arguably,the management may be rendered less accurate in the context of changingclimatic conditions/regimes, where optimal phosphate rate may change withchange in rainfall patterns. Increased lablab yield is expected to result intoincreased milk yields and hence improved nutrition, incomes and foodsecurity. 

The practice enables efficient utilization of farm resources, inthis case fertilizers which may not be affordable for some farmers. The practicealso enhances efficiency and reduces wastage, which translates into reducingcost of farm operations and increasing net benefits. 

The TIMP is gender-neutral and isintended to benefit all members of the community, including vulnerable andmarginalized groups. The strategy particularly addresses the context andsituation of women farmers, who constitute a majority of small-scale livestockfarmers.

Mugerwa Swidiq;

Lead Scientist, National Livestock Resources Research Institute(NaLIRRI);

P. O. Box 96;

Tororo, Uganda.

Tel: +256 45448360

Mob: +256-782660295

Email: swidiqk@yahoo.com

Njarui Donald;

Scientist, Kenya Agricultural Livestock and Research Organization–Katumani;

P. O. Box 340 -90100;

Machakos, Kenya.

Tel: +254-44-20495; +254-44-20395

Mob: +254-726345712

Fax: +254-44-21122

Email: donaldnjarui@yahoo.com

Sara, Abd Elraheem;

Scientist, Agricultural Research Corporation (ARC);

P. O. Box 126;

Wad Medani, Sudan.

Tel: +249-511-842226/+249-511-843890 (C/o)

Mob: +249-918-315708

Email: saraae2004@yahoo.com

Nijimbere, A;

Scientist, Mahwa Research Centre, ISABU;

P.O. Box 795;

Bujumbura, Burundi.

Mob: +257-79625120

Email: aloysndos@yahoo.fr 

This management practice must be used in combination with other goodagronomic management practices such as timely planting, water and soilconservation as well as timely disease and pest control. Therefore, the role ofextension must be highly emphasized for maximum benefits.

Mugerwa, S., Njarui, D., Sara, A.E. B. and Nijimbere, A. 2012. Acomparative analysis of the effect of phosphate fertilizers on lablab seedproduction. NARO and ASARECA (in press).

Yemane, A. and Skjelvag, A.O. 2003. Effects of FertilizerPhosphorus on Yield Traits of Dekoko (Pisum sativum var. abyssinicum) UnderField Conditions. Journal of Agronomy and Crop Science 189: 14-20.