PRECISE-FERTILIZATION AS AN ADDED VALUE FOR FARM PRODUCTS BY INCREASING GLOBAL AWARENESS ON HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS

Abstract

Intensive nutrient managements for crop production are one of agriculture management strategies that are not yet widely adopted in most third world countries. Precise N Fertilization as a part of intensive nutrient managements is a great way to manage input efficiency; yet, the technology is feasible enough for farmers to apply, in order to increase the farm product quality while improve access in modern market. Nitrogen (N) required for plant growth and development in large numbers, but the plant is only capable of absorbing an average of less than 50% N provided through conventional fertilization. Greenhouse gases emissions are increasing mostly because of expanding use of N fertilizers, while the carcinogenic effect of N residue on farm products is a dangerous risk for human health. By increasing the awareness on health and environmental effects for farm products especially concerning precise N fertilization, consumer will get health benefit while producer will get an added value for their products. Thus, by applying better input efficiency farmers could simultaneously increase the price while meeting the higher consumer demands even with gradually stricter standards in term of farm product quality and market requirements.