Dear Readers,

Agronomy. This issue of e-ifc covers Indian research projects on papaya and soybean. In both projects, the effect of potash on latex quality (of papaya) and reduced susceptibility to pests and disease (in soybean) demonstrates that potassium has an effect on internal qualities of the plant and product, in addition to the effect on yield. An interesting observation from many of our on-farm trials and demonstrations is the effect of potash application on the ability of the plant to resist the damage born by disease, pests and insects. This phenomena is not new, yet the physiological mechanism is still not known. We anticipate this is a topic we will return to in future editions of e-ifc, to expand on the results included in this issue.

Events. IPI held few large scale events during the last few months, and while most of the presentations are on our website, we would like to bring to your attention a collection of abstracts from the joint IPI-EMBRAPA (Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation) satellite symposium titled "Potash in Agricultural Systems of Tropical Savannas of South America: Adequate Fertilizing Practices in Areas with Poor Soils". The event was organized under the auspice of FERTBIO, and was attended by some 100 researchers.

During November 2006, IPI and the Punjab Agriculture University (PAU) jointly organized an international symposium on "Balanced Fertilization for Sustaining Crop Productivity" (22- 25 November 2006, Ludhiana). More details on this and other events are covered later in this issue.

Energy vs. food? As we move into 2007 it seems clearer that the world is changing. Global warming no longer appears to be merely scientific speculation, with many countries in the Northern hemisphere experiencing some of the warmest winters on record, while Australia endures it's worst drought in 100 years. The continuing increase in demand for biofuels is a challenge for food production systems. Will crops be used for human and animal food, or car food? Can we maintain the required increase in food production and at the at the same time meet the rapidly increasing demand for carbon neutral fuels? Nutrient management will probably continue to play a major role in all of these agricultural developments.

Extension. Research and extension remain a vital component for increasing agricultural productivity. In this context, the fertilizer industry gathered in Brussels at the beginning of March (7-9 March 2007) to discuss 'Fertilizer Best Practices Management' in developed and developing countries. We take a brief look at some of the Extension issues raised at this conference in this edition's 'K for Thought' section. We will be reporting on the conference in more detail in the next edition of the e-ifc due at the end of June 2007.

I wish you all an enjoyable read.

Hillel Magen
Director