₦airaland Forum

Essential nutrition is key to satisfactory crop growth and production. As a matter of fact, the profitability for farmers depends on producing enough crop per acre to keep production costs below the selling price.

A good soil is said to contain essential nutrient needed by a plant. I cannot overemphasis this; Quality soil plays an important role in crop yeild. Particularly when it come to vegetables, like tomatoes and others, it requires serious attention to details. I have had cases of friend that invested so much in planting, yam, cassava,maize and others with nothing to show for it due largely to the quality of the soil. The reason why I am writing this is so that you reader will not fall a victim of the same problem. I know that seasons plays an important role in crop yeild, so does the quality of the soil.

However, there are some basic thing to be done before the commencement of any planting endeavours.
Africa has the potential to become the food basket to the entire world, and with Nigeria among other nations playing a vital role. Africa is said to be home to 60% of uncultivated arable land in the world with about 600 million hectares. (https://www.oaklandinstitute.org/africas-farmland-demand-there-better-place)

It is important to consider important factors that can facilitate the achievement of this goal and how you as individual can make the most of the opportunities. According to Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank, “Africa may have the potential in agriculture, but you cannot eat potential”. Discussing Africa’s potential requires an understanding of the challenges impeding agricultural growth and development on the continent (http://oecdinsights.org/2016/10/16/african-agriculture-feeding-the-world-by-2050/) It is general knowledge that poor soil can impede plant growth

Maximizing Crop Yeild

To maximize your crop yeild requires your understanding of the nutrient content of your soil. Soil nutrient levels vary from year to year, and frequently will vary within fields, even on fields that seem to be uniform. It is therefore necessary to follow certain recommended steps for soil sampling and testing to develop a sound ongoing soil fertility management program.

An understanding of general nutrient status can be obtained for a field if soil tests are conducted. Nitrogen soil testing is recommended annually as the available nitrogen can change considerably from year to year. According to Dr. Ross McKenzie
Research Scientist, Soil Fertility/Crop Nutrition,Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development Lethbridge 1998.

Applying the Right Fertilizer

Efficient application of the correct types and amounts of fertilizers for the supply of the nutrients is an important part of achieving profitable yields.

There are at least 16 elements known to be essential for plant growth. Carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O) are derived from carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O). Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sulphur (S), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), boron (B), chlorine(Cl), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo) and zinc (Zn) are normally derived from the soil in the form of inorganic salts. Ninety-four to 99.5 per cent of fresh plant material is made up of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. The other nutrients make up the remaining 0.5 to 6.0 per cent.

Types of Fertilizers

Fertilizer refers to any compound that contains one or more chemical elements, organic or inorganic, natural or synthetic, that is placed on or incorporated into the soil or applied to directly onto plants to achieve normal growth. The main supply sources of plant nutrients include organic manures, plant residues, biological nitrogen fixation and commercial inorganic fertilizers.

Endeavour to know the nutrient content of your soil and where the need for balancing or enhancing the nutrient content exist, do not take chances. Get the right fertilizer.

For your organic fertilizer, contact us: wisdomlane4rill@yahoo.co.uk