Abstract
Low soil fertility and insufficient rainfall are the major constraints limiting pearl millet yields in Niger. Farmers use organic amendments from diverse sources as an integral component for meeting crop nutritional needs. In the Maradi region of Niger, a private poultry farm produces tons of poultry manure annually, much of which is applied to pearl millet in farmer’s fields. A field survey was conducted in 2004 to assess farmers’ perceptions, use and management of poultry manure. The survey results indicate that the poultry manure application rates varied from 1600 to 2300 kg ha-1. However, the farmers were concerned about nutrient levels present, the best application procedure, and the crop response to applications of poultry manure in combination with inorganic fertilizer. On-farm studies conducted in 2004 through 2006 indicated that application of 2 t ha-1poultry manure increased pearl millet grain yield by 56% and stover yield by 53%. Poultry manure plus 40 kg ha-1 of 15-15-15 (6 kg N ha-1 6kg ha-1 P2O5 6 kg K2O ha-1) dry fertilizer increased grain yield by 117% and stover yield by 94%. The cost/value ratio was 3.59 for poultry manure alone and 3.92 when the inorganic fertilizer was added. On-station experiments in 2005 and 2006 examined the effects of adding 10, 20 and 30 kg P ha-1 to the 2 t ha-1 of poultry manure, no further increase in yield was found, likely due to relatively high P concentration in the poultry manure. These studies indicate that 2 t ha-1of poultry manure is recommended for pearl millet production. Further research on the application of N fertilizer in combination with poultry manure is merited. Key words: Chemical fertilizer, nitrogen, phosphorus, on-farm research.
Highlights
All the farmers perceived that poultry manure application improved the soil and increased crop yields, but were unsure if it was better or worse than inorganic fertilizer
Comments indicated that farmers generally apply inorganic fertilizer only to cash crops like vegetables and cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) and that poultry manure gives best results when incorporated, which is easiest to do during the first weeding
On-farm research indicated that 2 t ha-1 of poultry manure increased pearl millet grain and stover yields, and the addition of 40 kg 15-15-15 (6kg N ha-1 – 6kg ha-1 P2O5 - 6 kg K2O ha-1) fertilizer further increased yields but not the cost/value ratio
Summary
Supplying needed nutrients is usually the limiting factor in pearl millet production (Bationo and Mokwunye, 1991), and research indicates that nutrient removal is greater than nutrient additions (Bagayoko et al, 1996; Smalling et al, 1997) in semi-arid West Africa. The level of inorganic fertilizer use is very low due to cost, availability, lack of credit, and low grain prices resulting from limited market options (Kadi et al, 1990). Efficient use of both organic and inorganic fertilizer is required to optimize crop yield to meet the food needs of a growing population and minimize soil degradation (Bationo and Buerkert, 2001; Palm et al, 1997; Pieri 1989). Efficient use of both organic and inorganic fertilizer is required to optimize crop yield to meet the food needs of a growing population and minimize soil degradation (Bationo and Buerkert, 2001; Palm et al, 1997; Pieri 1989). Maman et al (2000) reported that pearl millet grain and stover yields were increased with application of a combination of cattle manure and P fertilizer
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