Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers in Food Production System in Nigeria

Abstract

Food production systems must operate to be socially acceptable, environmentally sustainable and economically viable. As the availability of land and water resources is rapidly declining, there is need to increase the productivity of remaining natural resources, including energy while at the same time observing nutritional and environmental needs of our people. The single most efficient and cost-effective input that can increase the productivity of land in Nigeria is fertilizer-be it organic or inorganic. Fertilizer can increase food, root/tuber, nuts/vegetables and grain production, release marginal lands from production and reduce environmental degradation including the risk and uncertainty associated with the production of agricultural products. Efficient management of plant nutrients ensures that fertilizers are used in the most environmentally acceptable and sustainable way and that crops are supplied with all essential plant nutrients at the appropriate time and in the required quantity to avert environmental pollution. Site specific nutrient use, integrated plant nutrient supply, nutrient placement including fertigation and synchronizing nutrient supply with demand,  etc are some of the means by which fertilizers can be used more efficiently. All these will help to make more economical the use of natural resources, protect the environment and improve public image of farming and the fertilizer industry in Nigeria especially now that the land fallow systems which helped in building soil fertility have reduced to one or two year rotation.