Low soil nitrogen levels in sub-Saharan Africa

The gap

Evidence profile

Sourced from the future-work section and stated research gap and stated challenges and abstract of the source papers, classified as general, drawn from work published between 2024 and 2026, spanning 6 journals. Those papers have been cited 54 times in total.

Supporting evidence — 8 representative gaps

• Evaluation of Diversity of Maize Germplasm of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Terms of Some Yield Parameters (2026) · Journal of the Institute of Science and Technology · doi

  The study recommends continuing breeding studies in some maize genotypes evaluated as promising in terms of some yield parameters. The study suggests conducting more detailed studies using other molecular marker techniques.

  generalfuture-work sectionevidence 5/5
  Keywords: study recommends continuing breeding studies some maize genotypes
• Multi-year evaluation of silage yield, quality, and stability of maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes in the central Black Sea region of Türkiye (2026) · Scientific Reports · doi

  Further evaluation of silage maize genotypes in different environmental conditions. Investigation of the genetic basis of genotype-by-environment interactions. Development of breeding programs to improve silage maize quality and yield.

  generalfuture-work sectionevidence 5/5
  Keywords: further evaluation silage maize genotypes different environmental conditions
• Multi-environment evaluation and stability analysis of early-maturing drought-tolerant tropical maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids using AMMI and GGE models (2026) · Frontiers in Plant Science · doi

  Maize production in Sub-Saharan Africa has failed to keep pace with demand due to biotic and abiotic factors. There is a need to identify suitable genotypes adapted to target environments. Limited availability or access to quality seed of improved varieties contributes to low yields.

  generalstated research gapevidence 5/5
  Keywords: maize production sub-saharan africa has failed keep pace
• Exploring slow-release plasma nitrogen nano-fertilizer for improved maize production and nutrient use efficiency (2026) · Frontiers in Plant Science · doi

  Low soil nitrogen levels in sub-Saharan Africa - High costs and inaccessibility of mineral nitrogen fertilizers - Limited understanding of the effects of nano-fertilizers on maize growth and yield characteristics

  generalstated challengesevidence 5/5
  Keywords: low soil nitrogen levels sub-saharan africa high costs
• Maize breeding enhances lodging resistance through vertical allocation changes of stem dry matter and nitrogen (2025) · Frontiers in Plant Science · cited 9× · doi

  Investigate the effects of maize breeding on stem dry matter and N allocation in different environments. Examine the relationships between stem dry matter and N remobilization and grain yield. Study the impact of maize breeding on lodging resistance in different hybrid varieties.

  generalfuture-work sectionevidence 5/5
  Keywords: investigate effects maize breeding stem dry matter allocation
• Stomatal conductance modulates maize yield through water use and yield components under salinity stress (2024) · Agricultural Water Management · cited 42× · doi

  However, comprehensive investigations into the genotype × environment interactions (water or/and salinity) on maize growth, water use, and water productivity (WP) and the physiological controlling factors governing maize production remain lacking.

  generalabstractevidence 5/5
  Keywords: water maize comprehensive investigations genotype environment interactions salinity growth productivity physiological controlling factors governing production
• Is newer better? The effect of varietal age on real-world maize yield in Kenya (2026) · Food Policy · doi

  Maize varietal turnover is widely promoted across Sub-Saharan Africa to improve crop productivity and increase food security, yet its impact on yields remains poorly understood amid heterogeneous agroecological and socioeconomic conditions.

  generalabstractevidence 2/5
  Keywords: maize varietal turnover widely promoted across saharan africa improve crop productivity increase food security impact
• Modeling the profitability potential of inorganic fertilizer use for maize production in Tanzania under seasonal price volatility (2026) · Discover Sustainability · cited 3× · doi

  Despite its importance, the profitability of maize production under different fertilizer regimes remains poorly understood, especially for smallholder farmers operating across diverse agroecological environments.

  generalabstractevidence 2/5
  Keywords: despite importance profitability maize production different fertilizer regimes remains poorly understood especially smallholder farmers operating

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