Soil Fertility Management Practices of Smallholder Farming Communities in Nasarawa State, Nigeria.

Abstract:

This study assesses soil fertility management practices among smallholder farming communities in five Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Nasarawa State, Nigeria. A total of 150 respondents were selected using multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires, capturing information on socioeconomic characteristics, soil fertility practices, and challenges. The results showed that 93.33% of respondents in Lafia LGA and 96.67% in Obi LGA practiced soil conservation methods, with the most common techniques being cover cropping, used by 86.67% of farmers in Obi, and organic manure application, adopted by 100% of respondents in Akwanga, Doma, and Nasarawa Eggon LGAs. Chemical fertilizer usage was relatively lower, ranging from 6.67% in Obi to 50% in Lafia. Major challenges faced by farmers included inadequate knowledge of soil management, identified by 100% of respondents in Akwanga, and high fertilizer costs, reported by 70% of respondents in Lafia and Obi LGAs. Education played a significant role in adopting soil fertility practices, as respondents with tertiary education were more likely to employ modern techniques like conservation tillage and agroforestry. Despite these practices, limited access to organic materials and technical knowledge hindered broader adoption of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM). The study highlights the need for tailored interventions, such as farmer education and capacity building, to improve soil health and agricultural productivity. These findings provide a foundation for developing policies that promote sustainable farming practices, ensuring long-term food security in Nasarawa State and Nigeria as a whole.