Integrated nutrient management (INM) is being promoted in Sub-Saharan Africa. The authors examined INM practices among farmers in the savannas of northern Nigeria in the hope of making suggestions to improve the impact of INM practices on soil fertility. The results indicate that, although the various components of INM are available in the farming systems, only a partial integration is occurring with limited impact on soil fertility. The major constraints include: the harsh savanna environment, lack of supportive institutions and labour, high fertilizer prices and inadequate availability of organic manure. Strip cropping of improved sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) and dual-purpose cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) and integrated fertility management using neem foliage and half the recommended fertilizer rate have great potential. The study recommends more research, extension and policies to enhance the adoption and impact of INM practices.
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