| Sumario: | Soil fertility and nutrient management is one of the
major factors contributing to productivity and
optimization of resources especially in water limited
areas. Several approaches and tools have been
developed over decades such as site specific-nutrient
management (SSNM) but with plot-scale applications
having limitations for applications to realize the
potential benefits due to complex interactions with
landscape features. ICRISAT’s landscape-based research
approach to develop sustainable systemic solutions is
unique for transforming dryland agri-food systems. The
Landscape approach is critical for addressing the grand
challenges in drylands agriculture; soil fertility and soil
health, land degradation, water scarcity, climate
change, and biodiversity. The approach is a farmerrelevant, community scale that fits well with local
knowledge of soil, hydrology, landscape features,
cropping system and agronomic management practices;
thus, enables to enhance localized understanding of
farming systems and management practices. ICRISAT’s
landscape targeted nutrient management approach
leads to an optimal nutrient use efficiency that does not
lead to environmental (leaching) and economic costs.
Since 2014, building on the EthioSIS national initiative,
ICRISAT Ethiopia in partnership with NARS (National
Agricultural Research Systems) has developed
landscape segmented fertilizer decision system support
from several projects including Africa RISING,
GiZ-ISFM, CGIAR (Consultative Group on International
Agricultural Research) WLE (Water, Land and
Ecosystems), IFDC-Soil Consortium, CGIAR EiA
(Excellence in Agronomy) initiative, and AGRA(Alliance
for Green Revolution in Africa). Landscape-Specific
Nutrient Management (LSNM) which uses optimized
fertilizer application along landscape positions and
advanced the approach from a decision guide
framework into a digital advisory tool over years. The
decision support works with extension agent and lead
farmer centered design approach and influences other
users through the extension agent network.
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