Seed Varieties And Quantities Of Chemical Fertilizers Used In Agricultural Production In Northern Nigeria

Abstract

Two separate studies were conducted in northern Nigeria. The first study (1996/97) covered the Kano, Jigawa and Katsina states and the second (2002/03) covered the Kano and Katsina states. These states have high agricultural production potentials and are significant in both biophysical characteristics and population density for the larger part of northern Nigeria These studies compared the seed types and quantities of chemical fertilizers used in the 2 separate agricultural seasons The results showed that traditional cultivars for sorghum (Farafara, Kaura and Mori), millet (Zango and Dan Akaranja) and cowpea (Dan wuri and Dan Illa) dominated the cropping system compared to improved cultivars for these crops such as Yarshawa, Gaya early and Samsorg 15 for sorghum, Ex-Bornu and Lawur for millet and Kananado and ITA 60 for cowpea. However, for groundnut, improved cultivars, such as RMP 12, RRB, Ex-Dakar and Yarkabara, were more prevalent than local ones, such as Yar Tsugune and Jar Jigilla. The average rates of application of chemical fertilizer were 74.28 kg nutrient/ha in 1996/97 and 54.37 kg nutrient/ha for 2002/03. These application rates fell short of the recommended rates for some staples such as 220-240 kg NPK/ha for open-pollinated maize, 300 kg NPK/ha for hybrid maize, 200-300 kg NPK/ha for sorghum, 100-200 kg NPK/ha for millet and 200-350 kg NPK/ha for rice. The recommendations made included the need for more emphasis on the development of improved cultivars that are adaptable to existing ecological and economic conditions, encouraging public and private sector partnerships in seed production and distribution and the adoption of integrated soil fertility management approaches.