Action Research into a Flood Resilient Value Chain – Biochar-based Organic Fertilizer Replaces Chemical Fertilizer with Double Yield of Pea in Udayapur, Nepal

Anu Joshi Shrestha; Bishnu Hari Pandit

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ajaf.20170504.12

| Peer-Reviewed |

Action Research into a Flood Resilient Value Chain – Biochar-based Organic Fertilizer Replaces Chemical Fertilizer with Double Yield of Pea in Udayapur, Nepal

Anu Joshi Shrestha, Bishnu Hari Pandit

Received: 4 May 2017 Accepted: 9 June 2017 Published: 9 June 2017

Views: Downloads:

Download PDF

Share This Article

Twitter
Linked In
Facebook

Abstract

This paper describes the results of an action research project to identify and analyze a flood resilient value chain option for families of migrant workers in flood affected areas in six Village Development Committees (VDCs) in Udayapur district in Nepal. The best option was cultivation of green peas, with crop productivity increased using urine-biochar prepared on farm as an organic fertilizer and soil improver. The paper describes the value chain selection process and comparison of the effects of different fertilizers on vegetable crops. The yield of fresh pea pods from plots treated with urine-biochar plus Farm Yard Manure (FYM) was more than twice that with Nitrogen Phosphorus Potash (NPK) only, and close to three times that with FYM only (farmers' control). The yields of a range of vegetables increased markedly in plots treated with urine-biochar. Analysis of the value chain indicated that farmers would benefit most by marketing to large buyers or direct to supermarkets in the capital through a farmers’ association. Suggestions are made for future actions both country-wide (promotion of biochar-based organic fertilizer as a priority) and locally (strengthening the pea value chain).

DOI	10.11648/j.ajaf.20170504.12
Published in	American Journal of Agriculture and Forestry (Volume 5, Issue 4, July 2017)
Page(s)	84-93
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2024. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Biochar-based Organic Fertilizer, Chemical Fertilizer, Flood Resilient Value Chain, Fresh Green Pea, Migrant Workers' Families, Yield

References

[1]	MOAD, 2015. Agriculture Development Strategy of Nepal. Ministry of Agriculture Development, Singha Durbar, Kathmandu (Page 104).
[2]	Schmidt, H., Pandit, B., Martinsen, V., Cornelissen, G., Conte, P., Kammann, C., 2015. Fourfold Increase in Pumpkin Yield in Response to Low-Dosage Root Zone Application of Urine-Enhanced Biochar to a Fertile Tropical Soil. Agriculture 5, 723–741.
[3]	Biederman, L. A., Harpole, W. S., 2013. Biochar and its effects on plant productivity and nutrient cycling: a meta-analysis. GCB Bioenergy 5, 202–214.
[4]	Cornelissen, G., Pandit, N. R., Taylor, P., Pandit, B. H., Sparrevik, M., Schmidt, H. P., 2016. Emissions and Char Quality of Flame-Curtain “Kon Tiki” Kilns for Farmer-Scale Charcoal/Biochar Production. PLoS One 11, e0154617.
[5]	Hoermann, B; Choudhary, D; Choudhury, D; Kollmair, M (2010) Integrated value chain development as a tool for poverty alleviation in rural mountain areas: An analytical and strategic framework. Kathmandu: ICIMOD
[6]	Joshi, S. R.; Rasul, G.; Shrestha, A. J. (2016) Pro-poor and Climate Resilient Value Chain Development: Operational Guidelines for the Hindu Kush Himalayas : ICIMOD Working Paper 2016/1. Kathmandu, Nepal: ICIMOD
[7]	Gathorne-Hardy, A., Knight, J., Woods, J., 2009. Biochar as a soil amendment positively interacts with nitrogen fertiliser to improve barley yields in the UK. IOP Conf. Ser. Earth Environ. Sci. 6, 372052.
[8]	Steiner, C., Teixeira, W. G., Lehmann, J., Nehls, T., de Macêdo, J. L. V., Blum, W. E. H., Zech, W., 2007. Long term effects of manure, charcoal and mineral fertilization on crop production and fertility on a highly weathered Central Amazonian upland soil. Plant Soil 291, 275–290. http://www.biochar-international.org/biochar.
[9]	Schmidt, HP., Kammann, C., Niggli, C., Evangelou, MWH. Mackie, K. a., Abiven, S., 2014. Biochar and biochar-compost as soil amendments to a vineyard soil: Influences on plant growth, nutrient uptake, plant health and grape quality. Agric. Ecosyst. Environ. 1 –7.
[10]	Link- http://www.biochar-international.org
[11]	Riisgaard, L., S. Bolwig, S. Ponte, A. du Toit, N. Halberg., F. Matose. 2010. Integrating poverty and environmental concerns into value-chain analysis: A strategic framework and practical guide. Dev. Policy Rev. 28(2):195–216.
[12]	ICRAF, 2014. Commodity Selection Matrix, World Agroforestry Center, Bagor, Indonesia.
[13]	Schmidt HP, Taylor P (2014): Kon-Tiki flame cap pyrolysis for the democratization of biochar production, the Biochar-Journal 2014, Arbaz, Switzerland, pp 14 -24, www.biochar-journal.org/en/ct/39.
[14]	Link- http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Kon-Tiki_Kiln.
[15]	Babatola LA, Ojo DO and Lawal IO (2008). Influence of Storage Conditions on Quality and Shelf Life of Stored Peas. Journal of Biological Sciences, 8(2): 446-450.
[16]	Jokanovic, MR, Jokanovic D, Tepic AN (2006). Suitability of some green pea (Pisum sativum L.) varieties for processing. Acta Periodica Technologica 2006, 37: 13-20.
[17]	Sidhu, RS., Sidhu, MS and Singh, JM. 2011. Marketing Efficiency of Green Peas under Different Supply Chains in Punjab. Agricultural Economics Research Review, 24: 267-273.
[18]	Singla, R., Chahal, SS. and Kataria, P. 2006. Economics of production of green peas (Pisum sativum) in Punjab. Agricultural Economics Research review. 19: 237-250. http://faostat3.fao.org/download/Q/QC/E
[19]	Martinsen, V., Mulder, J., Shitumbanuma, V., Sparrevik, M., Børresen, T., Cornelissen, G., 2014. Farmer-led maize biochar trials: Effect on crop yield and soil nutrients under conservation farming. J. Plant Nutr.
[20]	Kammann, C. I., Schmidt, H. P., Messerschmidt, N., Linsel, S., Steffens, D., Müller, C., Koyro, H.-W., Conte, P., Joseph, S., 2015. Plant growth improvement mediated by nitrate capture in co-composted biochar. Scientific Reports 5: 11080.
[21]	Jeffery, S., Abalos, D., Spokas, K. A., Verheijen, G. A., 2015. Biochara effects on crop yield, in: Lehmann, J., Joseph, S. (Eds.), Biochar for Environmental Management. Earthscan, London, pp. 301 –326.

Cite This Article

Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Anu Joshi Shrestha, Bishnu Hari Pandit. (2017). Action Research into a Flood Resilient Value Chain – Biochar-based Organic Fertilizer Replaces Chemical Fertilizer with Double Yield of Pea in Udayapur, Nepal. American Journal of Agriculture and Forestry, 5(4), 84-93. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajaf.20170504.12

Copy | Download

ACS Style

Anu Joshi Shrestha; Bishnu Hari Pandit. Action Research into a Flood Resilient Value Chain – Biochar-based Organic Fertilizer Replaces Chemical Fertilizer with Double Yield of Pea in Udayapur, Nepal. Am. J. Agric. For. 2017, 5(4), 84-93. doi: 10.11648/j.ajaf.20170504.12

Copy | Download

AMA Style

Anu Joshi Shrestha, Bishnu Hari Pandit. Action Research into a Flood Resilient Value Chain – Biochar-based Organic Fertilizer Replaces Chemical Fertilizer with Double Yield of Pea in Udayapur, Nepal. Am J Agric For. 2017;5(4):84-93. doi: 10.11648/j.ajaf.20170504.12

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.ajaf.20170504.12,
  author = {Anu Joshi Shrestha and Bishnu Hari Pandit},
  title = {Action Research into a Flood Resilient Value Chain – Biochar-based Organic Fertilizer Replaces Chemical Fertilizer with Double Yield of Pea in Udayapur, Nepal},
  journal = {American Journal of Agriculture and Forestry},
  volume = {5},
  number = {4},
  pages = {84-93},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ajaf.20170504.12},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajaf.20170504.12},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ajaf.20170504.12},
  abstract = {This paper describes the results of an action research project to identify and analyze a flood resilient value chain option for families of migrant workers in flood affected areas in six Village Development Committees (VDCs) in Udayapur district in Nepal. The best option was cultivation of green peas, with crop productivity increased using urine-biochar prepared on farm as an organic fertilizer and soil improver. The paper describes the value chain selection process and comparison of the effects of different fertilizers on vegetable crops. The yield of fresh pea pods from plots treated with urine-biochar plus Farm Yard Manure (FYM) was more than twice that with Nitrogen Phosphorus Potash (NPK) only, and close to three times that with FYM only (farmers' control). The yields of a range of vegetables increased markedly in plots treated with urine-biochar. Analysis of the value chain indicated that farmers would benefit most by marketing to large buyers or direct to supermarkets in the capital through a farmers’ association. Suggestions are made for future actions both country-wide (promotion of biochar-based organic fertilizer as a priority) and locally (strengthening the pea value chain).},
 year = {2017}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Action Research into a Flood Resilient Value Chain – Biochar-based Organic Fertilizer Replaces Chemical Fertilizer with Double Yield of Pea in Udayapur, Nepal
AU  - Anu Joshi Shrestha
AU  - Bishnu Hari Pandit
Y1  - 2017/06/09
PY  - 2017
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajaf.20170504.12
DO  - 10.11648/j.ajaf.20170504.12
T2  - American Journal of Agriculture and Forestry
JF  - American Journal of Agriculture and Forestry
JO  - American Journal of Agriculture and Forestry
SP  - 84
EP  - 93
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2330-8591
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajaf.20170504.12
AB  - This paper describes the results of an action research project to identify and analyze a flood resilient value chain option for families of migrant workers in flood affected areas in six Village Development Committees (VDCs) in Udayapur district in Nepal. The best option was cultivation of green peas, with crop productivity increased using urine-biochar prepared on farm as an organic fertilizer and soil improver. The paper describes the value chain selection process and comparison of the effects of different fertilizers on vegetable crops. The yield of fresh pea pods from plots treated with urine-biochar plus Farm Yard Manure (FYM) was more than twice that with Nitrogen Phosphorus Potash (NPK) only, and close to three times that with FYM only (farmers' control). The yields of a range of vegetables increased markedly in plots treated with urine-biochar. Analysis of the value chain indicated that farmers would benefit most by marketing to large buyers or direct to supermarkets in the capital through a farmers’ association. Suggestions are made for future actions both country-wide (promotion of biochar-based organic fertilizer as a priority) and locally (strengthening the pea value chain).
VL  - 5
IS  - 4
ER  -

Copy | Download

Author Information

Anu Joshi Shrestha

Livelihood Department, International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, Lalitpur, Nepal
Bishnu Hari Pandit

Department of Watershed, Kathmandu Forestry College (KAFCOL), Kathmandu, Nepal

Download PDF

Sections

Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Anu Joshi Shrestha, Bishnu Hari Pandit. (2017). Action Research into a Flood Resilient Value Chain – Biochar-based Organic Fertilizer Replaces Chemical Fertilizer with Double Yield of Pea in Udayapur, Nepal. American Journal of Agriculture and Forestry, 5(4), 84-93. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajaf.20170504.12

Copy | Download

ACS Style

Anu Joshi Shrestha; Bishnu Hari Pandit. Action Research into a Flood Resilient Value Chain – Biochar-based Organic Fertilizer Replaces Chemical Fertilizer with Double Yield of Pea in Udayapur, Nepal. Am. J. Agric. For. 2017, 5(4), 84-93. doi: 10.11648/j.ajaf.20170504.12

Copy | Download

AMA Style

Anu Joshi Shrestha, Bishnu Hari Pandit. Action Research into a Flood Resilient Value Chain – Biochar-based Organic Fertilizer Replaces Chemical Fertilizer with Double Yield of Pea in Udayapur, Nepal. Am J Agric For. 2017;5(4):84-93. doi: 10.11648/j.ajaf.20170504.12

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.ajaf.20170504.12,
  author = {Anu Joshi Shrestha and Bishnu Hari Pandit},
  title = {Action Research into a Flood Resilient Value Chain – Biochar-based Organic Fertilizer Replaces Chemical Fertilizer with Double Yield of Pea in Udayapur, Nepal},
  journal = {American Journal of Agriculture and Forestry},
  volume = {5},
  number = {4},
  pages = {84-93},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ajaf.20170504.12},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajaf.20170504.12},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ajaf.20170504.12},
  abstract = {This paper describes the results of an action research project to identify and analyze a flood resilient value chain option for families of migrant workers in flood affected areas in six Village Development Committees (VDCs) in Udayapur district in Nepal. The best option was cultivation of green peas, with crop productivity increased using urine-biochar prepared on farm as an organic fertilizer and soil improver. The paper describes the value chain selection process and comparison of the effects of different fertilizers on vegetable crops. The yield of fresh pea pods from plots treated with urine-biochar plus Farm Yard Manure (FYM) was more than twice that with Nitrogen Phosphorus Potash (NPK) only, and close to three times that with FYM only (farmers' control). The yields of a range of vegetables increased markedly in plots treated with urine-biochar. Analysis of the value chain indicated that farmers would benefit most by marketing to large buyers or direct to supermarkets in the capital through a farmers’ association. Suggestions are made for future actions both country-wide (promotion of biochar-based organic fertilizer as a priority) and locally (strengthening the pea value chain).},
 year = {2017}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Action Research into a Flood Resilient Value Chain – Biochar-based Organic Fertilizer Replaces Chemical Fertilizer with Double Yield of Pea in Udayapur, Nepal
AU  - Anu Joshi Shrestha
AU  - Bishnu Hari Pandit
Y1  - 2017/06/09
PY  - 2017
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajaf.20170504.12
DO  - 10.11648/j.ajaf.20170504.12
T2  - American Journal of Agriculture and Forestry
JF  - American Journal of Agriculture and Forestry
JO  - American Journal of Agriculture and Forestry
SP  - 84
EP  - 93
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2330-8591
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajaf.20170504.12
AB  - This paper describes the results of an action research project to identify and analyze a flood resilient value chain option for families of migrant workers in flood affected areas in six Village Development Committees (VDCs) in Udayapur district in Nepal. The best option was cultivation of green peas, with crop productivity increased using urine-biochar prepared on farm as an organic fertilizer and soil improver. The paper describes the value chain selection process and comparison of the effects of different fertilizers on vegetable crops. The yield of fresh pea pods from plots treated with urine-biochar plus Farm Yard Manure (FYM) was more than twice that with Nitrogen Phosphorus Potash (NPK) only, and close to three times that with FYM only (farmers' control). The yields of a range of vegetables increased markedly in plots treated with urine-biochar. Analysis of the value chain indicated that farmers would benefit most by marketing to large buyers or direct to supermarkets in the capital through a farmers’ association. Suggestions are made for future actions both country-wide (promotion of biochar-based organic fertilizer as a priority) and locally (strengthening the pea value chain).
VL  - 5
IS  - 4
ER  -

Copy | Download