Spatial Appraisal of Problems and Prospects of Fertilizer Use for Agriculture on the Environment in Mbieri, Mbaitoli Local Government Area, Imo State Nigeria

Abstract

Article HistoryThis study appraises the spatial problems and prospects of fertilizer use in agriculture on the Environment in Mbieri, Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State. Structured questionnaires were sampled in each villages randomly selected from the seven autonomous communities of Amaike-Mbieri, Awo Mbieri, Ezi-Mbieri, Ihitte IsiMbieri, Obazu Mbieri, Obi-Mbieri and Umueze-Mbieri for collection of data. The data were analysed using descriptive statistical tools of tables, charts and graphs. The outcome showed that 71.2% of the farmers do not have University Education. All the kinds of fertilizer in use in the study area contain Nitrogen with NPK 20-10-10 the most sought-after. Findings show that 54% of the farmers prefer the application of fertilizer NPK for replenishing lost soil nutrients while, 60% of the Farmers in the study area use surface broadcast method in application of fertilizer NPK on their farms. However, it was observed from this research that majority of this nitrogen compounds are washed down through surface runoffs causing pollution and eutrophication of the Ecosystems and water bodies. Government should set up research centre for Fertilizer use in Agriculture where farmers can be equipped with adequate knowledge of the best way to use fertilizer NPK while sustaining the environment Contribution/Originality: This study contributes in the existing literature on the improper use of fertilizer.The study uses new estimation methodology of sampling questionnaire to villages observed to be most involved in Agriculture. This originates new formula that there is unbalanced use of fertilizer for agriculture.

Effects of Climatic Variations and Changing Land Use/Land Cover on Flooding in Southern Nigeria

“…The impacts of emerging agricultural practices have been seen in greater incidences of soil erosion, land degradation, and increased levels of pathogens, nutrients, and chemicals in surface water. This is in line with the findings of Chikwendu et al (2017) and Kughur et al (2015) who observed that intensive agricultural practices in Nigeria destroy soil nutrients and soil quality leading to soil erosion, pollution of water bodies, and loss of biodiversity. Deforestation has been a major fallout of land-use change in southern Nigeria.…”