Efficient fertilizer use for increased crop production: the humid Nigeria experience
1991
Maduakor, H.O.
Fertilizer use in Nigeria, though growing, is still very low especially if considered in relation to the growing food needs of the country. Efforts have been made through scientific investigations to find ways of increasing fertilizer use efficiency in the humid zone of the country. Investigations have been carried out mainly on nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, mixed and compound fertilizers. The secondary nutrients sulphur, calcium and magnesium as well as the micronutrients have received comparatively little attention. In the Southeastern humid zone, a considerable effort has been made to solve the problem of soil acidity through liming. Interaction of the primary nutrients under field conditions has not been investigated sufficiently. Results of experiments carried out on comparisons of P sources, urea placement methods and interaction of N, P, K, S fertilizers in the Ultisols of Southeastern Nigeria show that single superphosphate was superior to Togo phosphate rock, partially acidulated Togo phosphate rock, and diammonium phosphate for the production of maize. Methods of application of urea did not significantly affect maize grain yield. There was no significant interaction of N, P, K, S in the Ultisol but S was limiting. An application of a minimum of 45 kg/N/ha appears to be threshold for positive response to P by maize stover. More effort is needed to understand nutrient interaction in the Ultisols which are dominant in the humid Southern zone of Nigeria.
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