Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium mass balances in an irrigated quinoa field

Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) needs to increase food productivity alleviate insecurity exacerbated by climate variability and increasing demand. Balancing macronutrient inputs is essential for sustaining yields, farmer’s income minimizing environmental costs deriving from fertilizer misuse. The present study calculates the nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) potassium (K) mass balances estimates outputs of a quinoa field cultivated under full deficit irrigation conditions (100 50% crop evapotranspiration - ETc), in either presence or absence N 0 kg ha–1 N). emerging findings show that produce one ton biomass (including seeds, stems leaves) 12.7, 1.6 35.5 N, P K, respectively, need be added into soil. While K are required at medium fairly high amounts, needed lower amounts. Hence, fertilizers form nitrate (KNO3) more suitable than those with higher concentrations, example phosphate (PO43–). Overall, evidences experimentations necessary integrating farming input recommendations on agronomic guidelines, driven national agricultural research institutions, promoting sustainable agriculture SSA.
 Highlights 1 biomass.- Seed yields 1380 can attainded 100 N. MAPE values –7.5, +4.3 +3.3 between P, balance calculations observed field.