CHALLENGES TO INTEGRATED NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT FOR SUSTAINABLE CITRUS PRODUCTION IN SOUTH-WEST NIGERIA

Abstract

Integrated nutrient management (INM) is a global practice aimed at achieving optimum plant nutrient supply for sustaining crop productivity in a holistic manner. It also aims at assuring higher yields, improved soil health, and sustainable environments. However, INM is not yet a popular practice among Nigerian farmers, particularly citrus producers, as they mostly rely on native soil nutrients, which result in yields that are below the optimum level and world average. The study therefore ascertained challenges associated with integrated fertilizer nutrient sources used among citrus farmers in the south-west zone of Nigeria. A questionnaire and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) guide were used to collect data from eighty respondents, which were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The majority of respondents were male (78.8%), married (100%), within 31-50 years (60.0%), and the majority (73.8%) had a primary education. One third (33.75%) had between 10-20 years’ experience, and only 3.75% cultivated citrus using budded seedlings; the majority (83.75%) did not apply fertilizers on their citrus farms, and only very few (14.8%) were aware of integrated nutrient fertilizer use. Pest and disease infestation (85.2%), fluctuating weather conditions (77.8%), grazing animals (59.3%), and inadequate extension contact (48.1%) were the most predominant constraints to citrus production. Awareness and capacity building of citrus farmers should be provided by relevant stakeholders to promote the potentialities of integrated nutrient management for sustainable and profitable citrus production