Expert wants govt to pay more attention to soil research
NAN-H-2
Soil
By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko
Ibadan, Dec.10, 2017 (NAN) Prof. Lateef Taiwo, a soil scientist at the Institute of Agricultural Research Training (IART), Ibadan, has urged the Federal Government to pay more attention to soil research.
Taiwo made the call on Sunday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan.
He stressed the need for the government to adequately support the soil scientists in the production of soil capability and sustainability maps.
Taiwo said that this would assist the farmers in making appropriate choice of crops for different types of soil.
He added that making the right choice of crops as well as good management of soil would lead to optimum crop yields and quality crop production.
“Sometimes, soil is referred to as a living tissue, it’s important to treat it as such, all types of soil need adequate care; the theme of this year’s world soil day is caring for the planet starts from the ground.
“Soil is a finite natural resource, it’s non-renewable, and there is unsustainable intensification due to population pressure.
“Therefore, farmers should adopt farming practices that ensure sustainable soil nutrient cycling and preservation of soil water,” he said.
The scientist emphasised that the complementary use of organic and inorganic sources of nutrient was a very attractive option.
He disclosed that apart from enriching the soil of nutrients, the practice could help in conserving soil water thereby increasing soil microbial activities such as nutrient mineralisation and maintenance of good soil health.
According to him, farmers in the valley bottom environment (Akuro/Fadama) have the opportunity of all year round crop production.
“The Akuro farmers are already in the field, they have adequate water to supply for their crops on a sustainable basis; they are however advised to recycle their farm wastes by composting.
“Compost increases soil organic matter if properly produced and applied to the soil, water in the FADAMA should also be carefully managed to prevent nutrient leaching/loss from the soil,” he said.
Taiwo further disclosed that maize was difficult to manage in dry season and that water supply might be a problem for maize planted in valley bottom.
“If however it’s planted where water is inadequate, it will not do well, this is unlike cassava that is hardy and draught-tolerant,” he said. (NAN)
CC/EAL/EAL
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Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi