Plant Nutrient Management for Sustainable Agricultural Growth

Islamabad (Pakistan), 8-10 December, 1997
Proceedings edited by : Nisar Ahmad and Abdul Hamid

This symposium was organized by the National Fertilizer Development Center in Islamabad from 8 to 10 December 1997, with the support of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Phosphate Institute (IMPHOS) and the collaboration of both the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock (MINFAL) and the Fertilizer Industry in Pakistan.

Agriculture has been the major instrument for economic growth and development in Pakistan. During the last two to three decades, the increase in productivity of cereals and other crops has been driven by increasing use of farm inputs and high yielding varieties.

However, progress in fertilizer use has not unfortunately been accompanied by an equal increase in crop yields. This is because the increase in the use of single major nutrients has been quite disproportionate, the growth being highest in the case of nitrogen, relatively low in the case of phosphate and negligible in the case of potash.

This highly imbalanced fertilizer use coupled with poor farm management has led to loss in soil fertility, hence the recently observed stagnating yield levels of major crops.

Integrated nutrient management is a key contributor to sustainable increase of food production, and should be encouraged.

These vital issues and related questions were discussed during the symposium.

The proceedings include the papers introduced in the oral technical sessions, posters and report on the panel discussion of "Sustainability of Agriculture in relation to Plant Nutrient Management and Fertilizer Use". The conclusions and recommendations of the symposium are also included.

The symposium was attended by more than 100 participants from all over the country and abroad.

For further information, please contact NFDC at the following address:
National Fertilizer Development Centre
Street 1, H-8/1, Islamabad, Pakistan
Fax: 92-51-4440042
E-mail: nfdc@isb.comsats.net.pk