Assessing factors influencing types, rate of application and timing of fertilizer use among small-scale farmers of western Kenya
Abstract
116 words
Many soil fertility amelioration technologies exist in western
Kenya, but the factors that influence the adoption, and the
economic returns of these technologies needs to be assessed.
In this study, the value cost ratios (VCR) of five different
fertilizers (Diammonium phosphate; Nitrogen Phosphorus and
Potassium; agricultural lime; Minjingu phosphate rock; and
Organic manure largely farmyard manure) were computed
using data obtained from surveying 267 households and 30
fertilizer traders. The value cost ratios (VCR) values ranged
from 1.4 - 3.6. Apart from that of organic fertilizers of 1.4, the
VCRs are adequate to induce fertilizers’ adoption by farmers.
It is imperative that individual farmers’ economic optimal rate
of fertilizer application be established to maximize economic
gains.
Subjects
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