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Title: | Identifying sources of nitrogen applied to sorghum-based crop mixtures in Sudano-Sahel and Sahel savanna zones of north-east Nigeria |
Authors: | Kwari, J.D. Bibinu, A.T.S. Abubakar, M. |
Year: | 2000 |
Periodical: | Annals of Borno |
Volume: | 17-18 |
Pages: | 266-273 |
Language: | English |
Geographic terms: | Nigeria Northern Nigeria |
Subjects: | fertilizers millet |
Abstract: | The use of animal manure and inorganic fertilizers, which is necessary in the sorghum-based crop mixtures in the northeastern region of Nigeria, is constrained by transportation problems and high costs, respectively. Based on the results of a questionnaire conducted in 1997 and 1998 among 120 farmers selected from 6 villages in the Sudano-Sahel and the Sahel savanna areas of Borno and Yobe States, this paper identifies the sources of nitrogen applied to sorghum-based crop mixtures. 90 Percent of the farmers used animal manure in 1997, supplemented with inorganic fertilizers, municipal refuse and crop residues. In 1998, only 34 percent of the farmers used inorganic fertilizer compared to 80 percent in 1997. Trends in the source and means of transporting manure to farmland and cattle/oxen ownership are similar, suggesting that farmers who own cattle/oxen easily generated and transported manure to their farmlands. 94 Percent of the farmers agreed on a large increase in yields after application of manure/fertilizers. 55 Percent of the farmers in the Sudano-Sahel area and 21 percent of the farmers in the Sahel savanna area rated manure as superior to inorganic fertilizer. 36 and 71 percent respectively of the farmers in the two areas rated inorganic fertilizer as superior. Information on the use of manure was usually disseminated from generation to generation, through agricultural extension, or via radio. Lack of fertilizers, loans and ox-plough were reported by 75, 38 and 23 percent of the farmers, respectively, as constraints to farming. Bibliogr., sum. [Journal abstract, edited] |