Bridging Knowledge Gaps in Phosphorus Fertilization: Insights into Rice Farmers' Practices and Environmental Sustainability
Abstract
Phosphorus plays a crucial role in agricultural productivity, yet its mismanagement, particularly excessive application, poses significant environmental risks, including water quality degradation and eutrophication. This study aimed to assess rice farmers' knowledge, perceptions, and practices regarding phosphorus fertilization. A structured questionnaire was administered to 210 rice farmers across 18 villages within three states (Anambra, Ebonyi, and Enugu) following a multistage sampling procedure. The survey data were analyzed using IBM-SPSS statistical software. Farmers demonstrate a good understanding of phosphorus'sessential role in plant growth, maturity, and resilience, as well as the major symptoms of phosphorus deficiency, such as stunting and reduced tillering. The farmers’ fertilizer purchasing behaviour was mostly influenced by price, nutrient content, safety, subsidies, and social influence. The import status of fertilizer is less important in the purchasing decision. Though the results revealed a high level of awareness among farmers regarding the environmental impacts of excessive phosphorus application, gaps were identified, particularly regarding the effects of phosphorus runoff on water bodies, where 22.9% of the farmers were unaware of its detrimental impact on water quality. The study concludes that while rice farmers in Southeastern Nigeria have a significant understanding of the environmental effects of phosphorus use, targeted education and outreach programs are necessary to bridge knowledge gaps and promote sustainable fertilization practices. The study recommends the development of training programs and the promotion of climate-resilient phosphorus management strategies to mitigate environmental risks and enhance sustainable agricultural production in the region/
Keywords
Download Options
Introduction
Phosphorus (P) is one of the most essential nutrients for plant growth and development, second only to nitrogen in its importance for crop productivity. In global agriculture, phosphorus plays a vital role, with its low availability significantly influencing crop yields. Specifically, in rice farming, phosphorus enhances root development, accelerates plant maturity, and boosts grain yield, making it indispensable for sustainable agricultural systems [1,2]. Although phosphorus is abundant in soil, only a small portion is readily accessible for plant uptake, necessitating the addition of phosphorus fertilizers to sustain optimal growth. The derived Guinea Savannah in Nigeria, characterized by severely weathered tropical soils, faces an elevated risk of phosphorus deficiency [3].
This research was sponsored by TETFund (TETF/DR&D/CE/UNI/NSUKKA/BR/2024/VOL.I) In Nigeria, where rice is a staple food crucial to national food security, small-scale farmers, responsible for approximately 80% of rice production [4], face significant challenges in maintaining adequate soil nutrient levels, particularly phosphorus. Low phosphorus availability, coupled with underuse of fertilizers, has been identified as a leading cause of poor agricultural output in the country [5]. Across sub-Saharan Africa, rice farmers encounter phosphorus deficiency due to low fertilizer use, which not only hampers crop yields but also affects long-term soil health and agricultural sustainability [6]. Furthermore, inefficient phosphorus management exacerbates environmental risks, as excessive runoff contributes to eutrophication in water bodies, leading to ecological degradation [7]. As Nigeria struggles to meet domestic rice demand despite being one of Africa’slargest producers, the judicious use of phosphorus, a non-replaceable and finite resource, is critical for improving yields and minimizing environmental impacts [2,8].
This study aims to address these challenges by assessing rice farmers' knowledge, perception, and use of phosphorus fertilization in the derived Guinea Savannah agro-ecological zone. Specifically, the study seeks to: (i) identify and characterize the socioeconomic features of rice farmers, (ii) assess their fertilizer-use patterns and purchasing behavior, and (iii) evaluate their knowledge of phosphorus application in rice farming. Understanding these factors is vital for promoting more effective and sustainable nutrient management practices. Although soils may contain phosphorus pools significantly higher than what is required for plant growth, only a small soluble fraction is available for uptake, further complicating nutrient management [9]. This research will contribute to broader efforts aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity, ensuring food security, and protecting the environmental integrity of farming systems through balanced fertilizer application [8].
Conclusion
The demographic and agricultural profile of rice farmers in southeast Nigeria reveals a predominantly male, middle-aged, and moderately educated population, with substantial farming experience and land ownership. While these farmers are engaged in semi-commercial rice farming and focused on maximizing yields, challenges related to literacy and education may hinder the adoption of modern agricultural practices. Fertilizer use, particularly chemical and compound types, is widespread, with phosphorus application practices varying by timing and method, indicating opportunities for more sustainable and balanced nutrient management strategies. Farmers demonstrate a good understanding of phosphorus'sessential role in plant growth, maturity, and resilience, as well as the major symptoms of phosphorus deficiency, such as stunting and reduced tillering. However, there are minor knowledge gaps, particularly regarding the environmental impact of excessive phosphorus application and its contribution to water quality degradation. Addressing these gaps through targeted educational programs and promoting sustainable phosphorus management practices could enhance crop productivity while mitigating environmental risks.
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST The authors declare no conflict of interest AUTHORS’ DECLARATION The authors hereby declare that the work presented in this article are original and that any liability for claims relating to the content of this article will be borne by them. The views shared in this publication is that of the authors and not of the funders. FUNDING CUP received funding from Tetfund (TETF/DR&D/CE/UNI/NSUKKA/BR/2024/VOL.I) and the African Plant Nutrition Institute (APNI 2022 Young African Phosphorus Fellowship Award) for this study.
DATA AVAILABILITY The datasets generated during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.
