Location specific recommendations on fertilization and cropping calendar with RiceAdvice in Mali

Ahouanton, K., Kone, P., Guindo, J., Doumbia, S., Dossou-Yovo, E.R. 2024. Location specific recommendations on fertilization and cropping calendar with RiceAdvice in Mali. AICCRA Report. Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA)

A total of 46,695 recommendations were provided to farmers in Sikasso and Segou regions using RiceAdvice, including 15,877 for females (34%), covering 38,990 ha of rice fields. The recommended fertilizer application rates were 114 kg/ha N, 23 kg/ha P, and 23 kg/ha K for Segou, and 91 kg/ha N, 21 kg/ha P, and 21 kg/ha K for Sikasso, considering crop growth stages and weather conditions. The use of RiceAdvice led to a 45% increase in average rice yield, from 3.1 t/ha under farmers’ practices to 4.5 t/ha. The partial productivity of nitrogen increased to 50 kg of grain per kg of N with RiceAdvice, compared to 48 kg with farmers' practices. Farmers applied less fertilizer than recommended, with average quantities of 65 kg/ha N, 32 kg/ha P, and 12 kg/ha K, but reported better fertilizer efficiency, highlighting RiceAdvice positive impact on yield and resource use.