In Uganda, researchers have innovated a method to produce organic fertiliser from leather waste, targeting key problems in agriculture such as waste management and soil fertility. This fertiliser, enriched with collagen, provides essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to coffee plants and other crops, promoting higher yields and better sustainability.
Current farming practices often rely on chemical fertilisers, which can degrade soil quality and lead to dependency. The new collagen fertiliser counters this by delivering nutrients based on real-time soil needs, significantly reducing the amount needed throughout the growing season.
Farmers have reported positive results, stating that it improves their income and is environmentally friendly. The goal is to make this fertiliser widely available, contributing to economic stability and helping Uganda hold its position as a leading coffee producer.
Difficult words
- fertiliser — A substance added to soil to help plants grow.
- collagen — A protein that helps keep skin and tissues healthy.
- sustainability — Ability to maintain something over time without harming the environment.
- dependence — Relying on something too much.dependency
- innovated — Created new and effective methods or products.
- manage — To control or handle something carefully.management
- report — To give information about something that happened.reported
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- What do you think about using waste to create fertiliser?
- How can this method impact local farmers' lives?
- What are some other ways to improve soil health?
- Why is it important to reduce chemical fertilisers in farming?
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