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MANURE MANAGEMENT BY SMALLHOLDER FARMERS IN THE KANO CLOSE-SETTLED ZONE, NIGERIA

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 September 2001

F. Harris
Affiliation:
Centre for Overseas Research and Development, Department of Geography, University of Durham, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, UK Present address: School of Earth Sciences and Geography, Kingston University, Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey, KT1 2EE, UK. Email: f.harris@kingston.ac.uk
M. A. Yusuf
Affiliation:
Department of Geography, Bayero University, Kano, PMB 3011, Kano, Nigeria

Abstract

Manure is a key input to smallholder farming systems, especially in the semi-arid environment of West Africa where cost and availability limit the use of inorganic fertilizers. This paper considers manure management by farmers in an intensive integrated farming system in the Nigerian savanna. The paper reports farmers' indigenous knowledge concerning manure production, quality and application, chemical analysis of manure nutrient content and application rates of manure. The potential manure supply of the livestock population of the Kano close-settled zone is calculated and compared with application rates. Recommendations are made concerning methods for improving manure quality through changes in management practices.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
© 2001 Cambridge University Press

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