Effect of the naturally occurring salt ‘Kanwa’ as a fertilizer on the productivity ofStylosanthes in the subhumid zone of Nigeria
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Abstract
Soil nutrient deficiencies pose a serious limitation to higher crop and forage yields in the Nigerian subhumid zone. Some of the deficiencies may be alleviated by using as a fertilizer a salt mined locally called ‘Kanwa’ which is traditionally used as a cattle lick. Yields ofStylosanthes hamata cv Verano andS. guianensis cv Cook seed and dry matter increased with ‘Kanwa’ application at different locations. The effect of ‘Kanwa’ was enhanced when phosphorus was adequately supplied. Improvements to soil physical properties were proportional to the yield of the legume. The implications of good quality fodder and improved soil conditions in Agro-pastoral Systems in the Nigerian SHZ are discussed.
Key words
micro-nutrients ‘Kanwa’ Stylosanthes subhumid zonePreview
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© Martinus Nijhoff Publishers 1987