IMPACTS OF SOIL FERTILITY MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ON CROP PRODUCTION IN FARTA WOREDA, NORTH WESTERN ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Soil is critically important resource and necessary to enhance the production of agricultural yields to feed the world’s growing population. However, soil fertility degradation is among the most chronic environmental and economic burden. Conducting of different soil fertility management strategies is very crucial to bring sustainable development. Thus, the general objective of this study is to assess the impacts of soil fertility management (SFM) practices on crop production in the study area. Descriptive research design with a combination of qualitative and quantitative research approach was employed to achieve the research objective. Systematic random sampling technique was used to select the sample respondents. Data for questionnaire survey were collected from the sample of 121 household heads. Secondary were collected from published and unpublished sources. Both descriptive statistics of frequency, percentage were used to identify the status and the impact of soil fertility practices in the study area. Further, regression model was used to identify the determinants of farmer’s soil fertility management practices of the study area. The finding of the study showed that the major SFM practices implemented in the study area were crop rotation, stone and soil bund, contour farming, and application of organic and inorganic fertilizers. However, the findings on status of farmers practicing of SFM activities indicated that about the average level of farming households did not practicing SFM well on their farmlands to improve soil fertility. Farmers’ perception, educational status, access to training, incentive mechanisms, were positively and significantly influence farmers’ decision to practice SFM activities at p<0.01and farm experience and extension service were positively and significantly influence farmers’ decision to practice IK activities on their farmland at p<0.05 significant level. On the other hand, age and farm distance have negative and significant influence on farmers' decision to practice SFM activities at p<0.01. Practicing of SFM activities has a significant impact on the improvement of farmers' crop production and agricultural productivity. As a result, the concerned bodies and other stakeholders should strongly be supported in practicing SFM activities on their farmland to improve agricultural crop production.