Farmers’ perception on soil fertility and management under small holder farming system in Kiyawa, Jigawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study aimed at assessing local farmers’ perception on soil fertility in which laboratory analyses of soil sample and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) were used as the source of data. Some selected soil properties and information on local methods used in assessing the fertility status of the farms and the perceive trend in soil fertility were assessed. The soils in the study area were classified into fertile and infertile farms using local criteria such as soil color, productivity, water holding capacity and proximity their settlement. Ten soil samples were collected using composite sampling methods and analysed for N, P, K, OC, pH and clay using standard laboratory procedures. The mean values of the chemical properties of soil were correlated between fertile and infertile land as classified by the farmers. The results shows that fertile land have highest mean values of organic carbon (0.27%±0.28), electrical conductivity (0.33 ds/m³±0.41), total N (0.17%±0.08) and potassium (0.2 Cmol/kg±3.19) while, the mean value of pH (7.1±0.12), avail. P (4.14ppm±13.4) were found to be higher in infertile (bad) soil.  Crop rotation, mixed cropping, fallow, use of crop residue and light tools were identified by respondents as ways of enhancing and improving the soil fertility in the area. It was conducted that local classification is in agreement with criteria used by researchers in assessing soil fertility. Researcher need to understand and utilize indigenous knowledge, complement their effort and ways of thinking. Therefore, it is recommended to use both researchers’ (scientific) methods and farmer’s perception in evaluation of soil fertility and management.