New research has found that soil fertility of arable fields in some parts of the country shows low and moderate levels of fertility.
Additionally, the research highlights the potential benefits of organic fertilizers in improving soil health.
The EU-funded research, termed the ReDIAL Project, emphasizes the need for policy support to address the challenges faced by farmers in cultivating specific crops.
According to a recent study, the fertility levels of arable fields in certain regions of Ghana are facing challenges.
The study, conducted in the Sefwi Wiawso Municipality, Techiman Municipality, Ejura-Sekyedumase Municipality, Yendi Municipality, and Kwahu Afram Plains North District, indicates that these areas demonstrate varying degrees of low to moderate soil fertility.
Professor Kyereh Boateng, Research Lead and Lecturer at the Faculty of Renewable Natural Resource, KNUST, explains the underlying reasons for the low soil fertility levels in these regions.
“The soils in these areas have naturally developed over time and have undergone extensive leaching processes. In the tropical context, soil nutrient replenishment primarily occurs through efficient nutrient recycling, which is evident in forests.
“However, when vegetation is removed for farming purposes, the fertility gradually declines as nutrients are depleted with each harvest. Consequently, the soil becomes less capable of supporting high crop productivity,” he spoke to journalists after the presentation in Accra.
The research also highlights the farmers’ perspectives on organic fertilizers and the challenges they face. Farmers have shown a willingness to adopt organic fertilizers, recognizing their potential benefits.
However, the availability and bulkiness of organic fertilizers pose significant obstacles to their widespread adoption.
Additionally, the lack of awareness and familiarity with organic fertilizers affects their acceptability among farmers.
Chemical fertilizers, despite their widespread use, present their own set of challenges. The high cost, scarcity, negative effects on soil and the environment, and perceived impacts on the taste and shelf life of produce hinder their extensive usage.
To address these issues, the research recommends the utilization of soil fertility maps as a baseline reference for stakeholders in making informed soil fertility management decisions within the project districts and across Ghana.
The study also calls for governmental and private sector support in promoting the development and local use of bagged organic fertilizers.
The advantages of organic fertilizers have been outlined in the research, highlighting their residual effects on nutrient supply to crops, their ability to balance soil pH, increase organic carbon and matter content, enhance microbiological properties, improve water retention capacity, prevent soil erosion, and reduce the risk of eutrophication.
The findings of this research contribute valuable insights into the challenges faced by Ghanaian farmers in maintaining soil fertility and provide a basis for addressing these concerns through sustainable agricultural practices and supportive policies.
Engagement of Farmers On Soil Fertility
Prior to Thursday’s presentation, farmers were trained on how to use farm sense technology, a test kit for determining the nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, pH, temperature, electrical conductivity and moisture content of the soil.
About ReDIAL
The Research for Development and Innovation Agriculture and Learning (ReDIAL) Action is funded by the European Union and is being implemented in Ghana by a consortium consisting of Friends of the Nation (FoN), Tropenbos Ghana, the Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (FRNR-KNUST) and supported by SAYeTECH Company and SESI Technology.
The ReDIAL project is part of EU initiative on Climate-relevant Development Smart Innovation through Research in Agriculture (and food systems) in developing countries – DeSIRA.
ReDIAL seeks to contribute to transformation and innovation in agriculture and food systems in Ghana through action research, application of innovative technologies and organization of farmers and multi-stakeholder platforms.
The specific objective is to foster innovation for improving soil fertility in Ghana by generating scientific knowledge and data while applying innovative technology to improve threshing of grains and cereals.