Maize Productivity and Response to Fertilizer Use as Affected by Soil Fertility Variability Manure Application, and Cropping System

摘要

Studies in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) show that fertilizer use is consistently more profitable and efficient on fertile fields. When soils are degraded, restoration of soil fertility through balanced fertilization and organic matter additions is necessary to achieve high crop productivity. Other options for man-aging soil fertility, such as manure, crop rotations, and improved fallows are most effective when strategically combined with fertilizer.Problems of declining soil fertility are widespread in SSA, largely as a consequence of continued cultivation of crops with low levels of nutrient inputs.