Soil fertility program in Central America

A soil-plant analysis laboratory was established at the Centro Agronomico Tropical de Investigacion y Ensenanza (CATIE) to conduct onsite research and oversee research activities of laboratories, greenhouses, and field trials in participating countries. A greenhouse was also set up at CATIE for potted plant studies, and CATIE personnel were introduced to potted plant research techniques. Two training seminars on soil fertility programs were held at CATIE for a total of 67 participants from 14 countries. Seminars were also conducted in three individual countries to explain use of the straight-line discontinuous model for data interpretation; 79 participants attended the country seminars, with representation being particularly high from Nicaragua, Honduras, and El Salvador, the three countries that the project focused on. A soil sampling study was held in Nicaragua and a soils analog subproject was initiated by CATIE. Field trials begun under the predecessor project were continued, with special emphasis given to Honduras and Nicaragua; the high cost of these trials, and difficulties in coordinating activities with laboratory and greenhouse research, suggests that a more efficient procedure should be followed in the future. Perhaps the greatest problem encountered during the project was understaffing at CATIE. Staffing shortfalls will continue to be a constraint as CATIE assumes responsibility for monitoring soil fertility programs in Central America.