Status of Soil Micronutrients in Ethiopian Soils: A Review

Abstract

Deficiencies of micronutrients have emerged as a new problem to crop productivity in Ethiopia. Particularly, deficiencies of Zn and Cu are widespread in different parts of the country. In some of the studies B and Mo deficiency were also reported. These problems are expected to increase in the future because of the increase in cropping intensity, the use of high-yielding varieties and the more extensive use of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers. Therefore, future research should focus on mapping of soil micronutrients and conducting extensive crop response studies using sensitive crops for the respective micronutrients. Moreover, Standardization of laboratory procedures and establishing the critical level of micronutrients for soils and crops in Ethiopia should be given due emphasis since contrasting results have been reported with different extractants.

Keywords: Critical level, Deficiency, Extractant, Micronutrient