Agricultural Pollution: An Assessment of Synthetic Fertilizer Application in Sudano- Sahelian Zone of Nigeria

Abstract

The current pace of intensive agricultural practices in arid and semi-arid regions of Nigeria is frightening due to the modern indiscriminate use of synthetic fertilizer. Being a permanent agricultural land of the country, the soil strength, and quality of the region is threatened, and agricultural supplement remain the only option. With scarcity and high cost of organic fertilizer, the farmers are left with the preferred choice of inorganic fertilizer (synthetically made). Farmers maximize their productions though intensively use of chemical fertilizers, which consequently leached and contaminates underground water reservoir. Moreover, this residue further runoff to nearby surface water bodies and eventually caused eutrophication. This present study assessed the farmer attitudes toward the intensive application of synthetic fertilizer in northern Nigeria. The prime aim is to provide sustainable method of fertilizer application, formulation of effective policies and promotion of cordial collaboration and monitoring of progresses made. The required data collected from secondary sources. Standard analytical method is adopted for the analysis. The study found that preferences of synthetic fertilizer is due to the farmer's urge of good return and maximize the profit. Thus, it will recommend that there is need for public enlighten about the adverse effects of chemical fertilizers in human life and the environment. There is need for collaboration between policymakers and government to publicize the value of sustainable development. The present work provides decision-makers, prospective study and Government with a diagnostic approach of the situation for necessary planning.