International Potash Institute
Optimizing Crop Nutrition, Potassium in Soil, Plant and Agro ecosystem

Importance of Soil Management and Potash Fertilization for Sustainable Agricultural Development of Central America and the Caribbean
10-13 Mar 2010

San Salvador

The International Potash Institute (IPI) is collaborating with the Soil Science Association of El Salvador (A.S.C.S.) to organize an international symposium in San Salvador titled "Importance of Soil Management and Potash Fertilization for Sustainable Agricultural Development of Central America and the Caribbean".

The Central America and Caribbean region is known for its exports of agricultural commodities, including banana, citrus, coffee, cotton, flowers, sugarcane, which provide important revenue. But in rural areas, subsistence farmers, who are dependant on agriculture for their livelihoods, make up the majority of the population. Moreover, for many, fertilization practices are far from modern; the concept of 'balanced fertilization' is not well known and the use of potassium is particularly neglected.

The sustainability of agricultural systems greatly depends on balanced fertilization to improve soil fertility for secure and sustainable food production. Potassium fertilizers play a crucial role in improving the quality and yields of crops and thus contribute to the welfare of farming communities. Many areas of the region with tropical soils (latosolic, etc.) are susceptible to significant nutrient deficiencies and, consequently, deteriorating fertility. Greater adoption of advanced technologies and fertilization practices must be a priority if food production in the region is to be significantly improved.

During the three days of the symposium, issues including soil fertility, quality of mineral fertilizers, and efficient use of fertilizers and natural resources will be discussed. This event will be of interest to soil and plant nutrition scientists, agronomists, and extension officers from universities and research organizations, government offices, agribusinesses and other stakeholders with a keen interest in improving food production in the region. The organizers anticipate participation from across the region. Invited speakers will include scientists from the region and from Europe, the Middle East, and North and South America. The symposium has been announced at all universities across the Central American and Caribbean region. Poster presentations are open to all, and students in the region are particularly encouraged to participate and present research related/relevant to the themes of the symposium.

Main themes

• Agricultural development and the current level of fertilization practices in Central America and the Caribbean
• Improving soil fertility and responsible use of natural resources to ensure advancement of food security
• Nutrient management with an emphasis on potassium to increase yield and quality of crops grown in the region (e.g. cereals, coffee, cotton, flowers, fruits, sugarcane)
• Fertilization of crops to improve sustainability and farmers' income
• Extension strategies to deliver knowledge to rural farmers

Documents: 1st Announcement (pdf 31.9 kB), Symposium brochure (pdf 141 kB), Draft programme (pdf 47.3 kB)