Soil fertility management practices among smallholder farmers in Ughelli North, Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

This research investigated soil fertility management practices among smallholder farmers in Ughelli North, Delta State, Nigeria, a region with a tropical climate characterized by distinct rainy and dry seasons. Data were collected from a survey of 120 farmers across Ewvreni, Orogun, Oviri-Ogor, and Agbarha-Otor using a structured questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, farming experiences, and soil fertility management strategies. The demographic analysis indicated that 56.7% of respondents were female and 43.3% were male, with the largest age group being 25 - 35 years (36.7%). Educational attainment varied, with 34.2% having completed secondary education and 15.0% holding tertiary qualifications. Farming experience was evenly distributed, with 35.8% of respondents having 11 – 20 years of experience while 15.8% had less than 5 years’ experience. Most farmers (70.0%) cultivated landholdings of less than 1 acre (0.4 ha), necessitating intensive land use. Crop cycles predominantly lasted for about 2 – 6 months (49.2%), while fallow periods were generally brief, with 65.0% lasting less than a month. The study found mixed cropping (42.5%) and intercropping (17.5%) to be the predominant cropping systems. Farmers widely practiced organic soil fertility management, with 42.5% utilizing both plant- and animal-based amendments. Among organic fertilizers, poultry manure showed the highest adoption rate (35.0%), while compost ranked second (25.8%) in the study area. However, unsustainable practices persisted, as 37.5% of farmers engaged in crop residue burning, and 36.7% continued using slash-and-burn techniques. The findings highlight the urgent need for targeted educational programmes and support mechanisms to promote sustainable soil fertility management practices. Enhancing farmers' knowledge and access to resources can improve soil health, boost agricultural productivity, and ensure long-term environmental sustainability in the region.