Introduction

The Integrated Plant Nutrition Information System, referred to as IPNIS, is a database providing information for a number of countries on crop-wise plant nutrients management at administrative (district) level, supported by relevant data on soil and soil management, agro-ecological zones, and crop production constraints.

In this database application, one can find the crops grown at different locations, their yields and cropping practices. More importantly, the actual fertilization practised by the farmers along with the extension service recommendations and research findings can be found, where available. It also provides information on major constraints the farmers are reporting in growing their crops as well as the soil management practices they are following.

Objective

The main objective of the database is to provide researchers, extension officers, decision-makers and other stakeholders working in the area of agricultural development with special emphasis to plant nutrients management with data on crop-wise plant nutrients use (organic and mineral fertilizers) and yields. This information is not only a prerequisite for providing farmers with appropriate advice on nutrient management, but also provides back ground information for policy and strategy formulations for improved plant nutrients use, demand forecasting, and formulation of agricultural production oriented field programmes.

Database Organization and Structure

The database structure and organization has been defined taking into account end-user requirements that allow data users to identify and compare the plant nutrient management systems of different locations of a country or among countries for the same crops.

The primary data as stored in this database is organised on a country-district level. The administrative district is the primary data collection point. The basic data is provided by respective countries. More countries will be added in the near future.

Figure 1: IPNIS Data Structure