Soil Nutrient Status and Farmers’ Perception on Soil Fertility in Ethiopia: Review

Abstract

Most of the essential elements in some parts Ethiopia especially the central high lands are found in deficient quantities in the mineral soils. The review deals with the assessment of macronutrients i.e., C, N, K, Ca, Mg, P, S and micronutrients i.e., Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn and framers’ perception of soil fertility status. Deficiencies of macro and micronutrients have emerged as a new problem to crop productivity in Ethiopia. Particularly, deficiencies of N, P and S are widespread in different parts of the country. In some of the studies B and Mo deficiency were also reported. This review indicated that Farmer's knowledge of soil fertility status was based on observable plant and soil related characteristics namely; soil color, soil texture, crop productivity, soil water holding capacity and difficulty to work. Therefore, it is import to recognize farmer’s knowledge and perception about condition of soil fertility status to design more appropriate research and to facilitate clear communication with farmers.

Keywords: soil fertility, farmers’ perceptions, fertility status

DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/11-5-03

Publication date:March 31^st 2021