Terreplenish® Case Study :
Congo Crop Trials

Introduction:

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In a global context marked by climate change, the scarcity of natural resources, and the increasing degradation of soils, agriculture faces a dual challenge: feeding a constantly growing population while preserving the sustainability of ecosystems. This challenge is even more pressing in developing countries, where agricultural systems are often weakened by poor soil quality, limited access to quality inputs, and greater exposure to climatic hazards such as drought, erosion, or the depletion of organic matter (FAO, 2015; IPCC, 2022; UNEP, 2016).

 

In these regions, long-term dependence on chemical fertilizers has often worsened the biological imbalances of the soil, leading to a progressive decline in fertility, a loss of microbial biodiversity, and structural degradation that compromise medium- and long-term productivity (Lal, 2020). It is in this context that the use of biological and soil-regenerating fertilizers, such as Terreplenish, is gaining increasing interest. Developed through the controlled fermentation of organic residues, this natural liquid fertilizer is rich in beneficial microorganisms, organic acids, and essential nutrients. Its purpose is to restore the soil’s microbiological balance, improve its structure, enhance its water-retention capacity, and optimize the absorption of nutrients by plants (Terreplenish®, n.d.).

 

In developing countries, where agriculture is the main source of livelihood for a large part of the population, the introduction of environmentally viable, low-cost solutions adapted to local conditions is a priority (UNEP, 2016; Lal, 2020). The trial of Terreplenish therefore falls within an effort to seek sustainable solutions aimed at improving agricultural productivity while preserving natural balances.

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Overall Objective

To evaluate the agronomic effectiveness of the biological fertilizer Terreplenish on crop growth and development in the agroecological context of Kinshasa.

 

Specific Objectives

Compare the growth and yield performance of a control crop with and without the application of Terreplenish. Test the adaptability of the fertilizer: verify whether the fertilizer performs well under the specific conditions of the field (soil type, climate, crop). Optimize the use of the fertilizer: adjust the dosage and frequency of application to achieve the best results. Assess improvements in soil fertility: observe whether the fertilizer enriches the soil with essential nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, etc.).

 

Research Questions

What differences can be observed between the yields of crops treated with Terreplenish and those of the untreated control? Is the Terreplenish fertilizer effective under the specific conditions of the Kimpoko site (soil type, climate, and tested crops)? What is the optimal dose and frequency of Terreplenish application to maximize the growth and yield of vegetable crops? Does the use of Terreplenish improve the soil content of essential nutrients such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K)?

 

Hypotheses

The yields of crops treated with Terreplenish will be higher than those of untreated control crops. Terreplenish fertilizer will effectively adapt to the specific conditions of the Kimpoko site, improving crop growth despite local constraints (soil, climate, crop type). An appropriate dosage and application frequency of Terreplenish will allow for optimal vegetative development and higher crop yields. The application of Terreplenish will significantly increase the soil content of essential nutrients, particularly nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, compared to untreated soils.