Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in
Book cover

Organic Fertilisation, Soil Quality and Human Health pp 31–65Cite as

Organic Fertilizers in Sub-Saharan Farming Systems

  • Chapter
  • First Online:

Part of the book series: Sustainable Agriculture Reviews ((SARV,volume 9))

Abstract

Soil has played major roles throughout human history and civilizations. In sub-Saharan Africa, the soil has been subjected to key challenges such as organic matter export, loss to termites, burning, and diversion to competing uses. These issues lead to a decline in fertility that threatens the sustainability of actual agricultural systems. Therefore the use of organic fertilizers and conservation agriculture is promoted. Farmers recycle organic resources by composting and other practices. However, the adoptions of both organic fertilizers and conservation agriculture have remained low due to limited knowledge on these practices, lack of policy support, and insufficient labor. In response, emphasis on the use of organic resources and mineral fertilizers in Africa has been shifting over the years. Here we review the current role of organic resources in the farming systems of sub-Saharan Africa in order to clarify avenues for enhancing it. The major points are (1) due to their increasing recognition of the role of organic fertilizers in the farming systems, policy-makers in Africa are increasingly supporting issues of sustainable agricultural production systems. (2) There is an increasing awareness on the need for efficiency in the use of organic resources. (3) The consensus that the most sustainable gains in crop productivity are achieved from combined application of organic and mineral fertilizers is driving forward integrated soil fertility management in Africa. (4) Small farmers who are generally unable to apply the recommended rates of organic resources are increasingly experimenting options to upgrade their use of organic inputs.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.

Chapter
USD   29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD   129.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD   169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD   169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Learn about institutional subscriptions

Abbreviations

AfDB:

African Development Bank

FAO:

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

KARI:

Kenya Agricultural Research Institute

N:

Nitrogen

ORD:

Organic Resource Database

P:

Phosphorus

UNEP:

United Nations Environmental Program

References

  • AfDB (African Development Bank Group).(2010) Framework for the Establishment of the Africa Fertilizer Financing Mechanism (AFFM), AfDB, Tunis, Tunisia

    Google Scholar 

  • AFFM (Africa Fertilizer Financing Mechanism) (2009) Operational strategy. AfDB, Tunis, Tunisia

    Google Scholar 

  • Africa Fertilizer Summit (2006) Africa Fertilizer Summit Proceedings. IFDC, Muscle Shoals, p 182

    Google Scholar 

  • Alley MM, Vanlauwe B (2009) The role of fertilizers in integrated plant nutrient management, 1st edn. IFA, Paris, TSBF-CIAT, Nairobi, Kenya, 59 pp

    Google Scholar 

  • Araki S (1993) Effect on soil organic matter and soil fertility of the Chitemene slash-and-burn practice used in northern Zambia. In: Mulongoy K, Merckx R (eds) Soil organic matter dynamics and sustainability of tropical agriculture. Wiley-Sayce, Chichester, pp 367–375

    Google Scholar 

  • Bado BV, Sedogo MP, Cescas MP, Lompo F, Bationo A (1997) Effet à long terme des fumures sur le sol et les rendements du mais au Burkina Faso. Cahiers Agricultures 6:571–575

    Google Scholar 

  • Baijukya FP, de Ridder N, Giller KE (2005) Managing legume cover crops and their residues to enhance productivity of degraded soils in the humid tropics: a case study in Bukoba district, Tanzania. Nutr Cycl Agroforest 73:75–87

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Barrios E, Kwesiga F, Buresh RJ, Sprent JI (1997) Light fraction soil organic matter and available nitrogen following trees and maize. Soil Sci Soc Am J 61:826–831

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bationo A (2008) Integrated soil fertility management options for agricultural intensification in the Sudano-Sahelian zone of West Africa. Academy of Science Publisher, Nairobi, p 204

    Google Scholar 

  • Bationo A, Mokwunye AU (1987) Soil fertility management of the millet producing sandy soils of Sahelian West Africa: the Niger experience. Paper presented at the workshop on soil and crop management systems for rainfed agriculture in the Sudano-Sahelian zone. International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Niamey, Niger

    Google Scholar 

  • Bationo A, Waswa B, Kihara J, Kimetu J (eds) (2006) Advances in integrated soil fertility management in sub-Saharan Africa: challenges and opportunities. Nutr Cycl Agroecosyst 76:2–3

    Google Scholar 

  • Bhan S, Bharti VK (2008) Conservation tillage in Indian agriculture. In: Goddard T, Zoebisch MA, Gan YT, Ellis W, Watson A, Sombatpanit S (eds) No-till farming systems. World Association of Soil and Water Conservation, Bangkok, pp 197–206

    Google Scholar 

  • Bingen J, Serrano A, Howard J (2003) Linking farmers to markets: different approaches to human capital development. Food Policy 28:405–419

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cadisch G, Giller KE (eds) (1997) Driven by nature: plant litter quality and decomposition. CAB International, Wallingford

    Google Scholar 

  • Chianu JN, Tsujii H (2005) Integrated nutrient management in the farming systems of the savannas of northern Nigeria: what future? Outlook Agric 34(3):197–202

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chianu JN, Ajani OIY, Chianu JN (2008) Livelihoods and rural wealth distribution among farm households in Western Kenya: implications for rural development, poverty alleviation interventions and peace. Afr J Agric Res 3(7):455–464

    Google Scholar 

  • Crawford E, Kelly V, Jayne TS, Howard J (2003) Input use and market development in sub-Saharan Africa: an overview. Food Policy 28:277–292

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dalal RC, Mayer RJ (1986) Long-term trends in fertility of soils under continuous cultivation and cereal cropping in Southern Queensland: I. Total organic carbon and rate of loss from the soil profile. Aust J Soil Res 24:281–289

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • De Ridder N, Van Keulen SJ (1990) Some aspects of the role of organic matter in sustainable intensified arable farming systems of the West African semi-arid tropics. Fert Res 26:299–310

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Derpsch R (2008) No-tillage and conservation agriculture: a progress report. In: Goddard T, Zoebisch MA, Gan YT, Ellis W, Watson A, Sombatpanit S (eds) No-till farming systems. World Association of Soil and Water Conservation, Bangkok, pp 7–39

    Google Scholar 

  • Diacono M, Montemurro F (2010) Long-term effects of organic amendments on soil fertility. A review. Agron Sustain Dev 30(2):401–422

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dumanski J, Peiretti R, Benetis J, Mcgarry D, Pieri C (2006) The paradigm of conservation tillage. In: Proceedings of World Association of soil and water conservation, USA, pp 58–64

    Google Scholar 

  • Duran ZVH, Rodrfguez PCR (2008) Soil-erosion and runoff prevention by plant covers. A review. Agron Sustain Dev 28:65–86

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Edwards CA (1988) Breakdown of animal, vegetable and industrial organic wastes by earthworms. Agric Ecosyst Environ 24:21–31

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Eicher CK (1999) Institutions and the African farmer. Economics program third distinguished economist lecture. CIMMYT, Mexico

    Google Scholar 

  • Eilitta M, Mureithi J, Derpsch R (eds) (2004) Green manure/cover crop systems of smallholder farmers. Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dordrecht

    Google Scholar 

  • Elwell HA (1995) An assessment of the performance of minimum tillage practices in Zimbabwe in terms of drought risk alleviation, yields, and cost-effectiveness. Consultancy report, World Bank, Harare, Zimbabwe

    Google Scholar 

  • Erenstein O, Sayre K, Wall P, Dixon J, Hellin J (2008) Adapting no-tillage agriculture to the conditions of smallholder maize and wheat farmers in the tropics and sub-tropics. In: Goddard T, Zoebisch MA, Gan YT, Ellis W, Watson A, Sombatpanit S (eds) No-till farming systems. World Association of Soil and Water Conservation, Bangkok, p 253

    Google Scholar 

  • FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) (1989) Fertilizers and food production. FAO, Rome

    Google Scholar 

  • FAO (1989) Prevention of post-harvest food losses. FAO, Rome

    Google Scholar 

  • FAO (2002) Land degradation assessment in drylands. FAO, Rome

    Google Scholar 

  • FAO (2004) 23 regional conference for Africa, held at Sandton Convention Centre, 1–5 March 2004. FAO, Rome, Italy

    Google Scholar 

  • FAO (2008) Investing in sustainable agricultural intensification: the role of conservation agriculture. FAO, Rome, Italy, pp 21

    Google Scholar 

  • Faulkner EH (1943) Plowman’s folly. University of Oklahoma Press, Norman

    Google Scholar 

  • Feller C, Chopaty JL, Dancette F (1987) Effet de divers modes de restitution de pailles de mil sur le niveau et al nature du stock organic dans deux sols sableux tropicaux. Cachiers Orstom, Series Pedologie 24:237–252

    Google Scholar 

  • Fenton TE, Brown JR, Mausbach MJ (1999) Effects of long-term cropping on organic matter content of soils: implications for soil quality. In: Lal R (ed) Soil quality and soil erosion. CRC Press, Boca Raton, pp 95–124

    Google Scholar 

  • Fleming A, Vanclay F (2010) Farmer responses to climate change and sustainable agriculture. A review. Agron Sustain Dev 30:11–19

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Giller KE (2001) Nitrogen fixation in tropical cropping systems. CAB International, Wallingford

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Giller KE (2002) Targeting management of organic resources and mineral fertilizers: can we match scientists’ fantasies with farmers’ realities? In: Vanlauwe B, Sanginga N, Diels J, Merckx R (eds) Balanced nutrient management systems for the Moist Savanna and Humid forest zones of Africa. CAB International, Wallingford, UK, pp 155–171

    Google Scholar 

  • Giller KE, Beare MH, Lavelle P, Izac AMN, Swift MJ (1997) Agricultural intensification, soil biodiversity and ecosystem function. Appl Soil Ecol 6:3–16

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Giller KE, Gilbert R, Mugwira LM, Muza L, Patel BK, Waddington S (1998) Practical approaches to soil organic matter management for smallholder maize production in Southern Africa. In: Waddington SR, Murwira HK, Kumwenda JDT, Hikwa D, Tagwira F (eds) Soil fertility research for maize-based farming systems in Malawi and Zimbabwe. Soil Fertility Network and CIMMYT, Harare, pp 139–153

    Google Scholar 

  • Giller KE, Witter E, Corbeels M, Tittonell P (2009) Conservation agriculture and smallholder farming in Africa: the heretics’ view. Field Crop Res 114(1):23–34

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Goddard T, Zoebisch MA, Gan YT, Ellis W, Watson A, Sombatpanit S (eds) (2008) No-till farming systems. World Association of Soil and Water Conservation, Bangkok, 540pp

    Google Scholar 

  • Goodlass G, Halberg N, Verschuur G (2003) Input–output accounting systems in the European community – an appraisal of their usefulness in raising awareness of environmental problems. Eur J Agron 20:17–24

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Goyal S, Mishra MM, Hooda IS, Singh R (1992) Organic matter-microbial biomass relationships in field experiments under tropical conditions: effects of inorganic fertilization and organic amendments. Soil Biol Biochem 24:1081–1084

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Haggblade S, Tembo G (2003) Conservation farming in Zambia. Paper presented at the INWENT/The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)/The New Partnership for Africa’s Development/Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation, conference on successes in African Agriculture, Pretoria, South Africa

    Google Scholar 

  • Harris F (2002) Management of manure in farming systems in semi-arid West Africa. Exp Agric 38:131–148

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hauser S, Nolte C, Carsky RJ (2006) What role can planted fallows play in the humid and sub-humid zone of West and Central Africa. Nutr Cycl Agroecosyst 76:297–318

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Herlocker D (ed) (1999) Rangeland ecology and resource development in Eastern Africa. Rangeland Environment, German Technical Cooperation Publications, Nairobi

    Google Scholar 

  • Hudson BD (1994) Soil organic matter and available water capacity. Soil Water Conserv 49:189–194

    Google Scholar 

  • IFDC (International Centre for Soil Fertility and Agricultural Development) (2002) Collaborative research program for soil fertility restoration and management in resource-poor areas of sub-Saharan Africa, vol 67, Technical bulletin. IFDC, Muscle Shoals

    Google Scholar 

  • Joern B, Hess P (2005) Manure management planner. Available on-line at www.agry.purdue.edu/mmp/. Accessed 15 June 2009

  • Johnston AE, Poulton PR (2005) Soil organic matter: its importance in sustainable agricultural systems. In: Proceedings No. 565. The International Fertilizer Society, York, UK

    Google Scholar 

  • Johnston AE, Poulton PR, Coleman K (2009) Soil organic matter: its importance in sustainable agriculture and carbon dioxide fluxes. In: Sparks DL (ed) Advances in agronomy, vol 101. Academic, Burlington, pp 1–57

    Google Scholar 

  • Kanyanjua SM, Mureithi JG, Gachene CKK, Saha HM (2000) Soil fertility management handbook for extension staff and farmers in Kenya, vol 6, Kenya Agricultural Research Institute technical note series. KARI, Nairobi

    Google Scholar 

  • Kiptot E, Hebrinck P, Franzel S, Richards P (2007) Adopters, testers, or pseudo-adopters? Dynamics of the use of improved tree fallows by farmers in Western Kenya. Agric Syst 94:509–519

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kristjanson P, Tarawali S, Okike I, Singh BB, Thornton PK, Manyong V, Kruska RL, Hoogenboon G (2002) Genetically improved dual purpose cowpea: assessment of adoption and impact in the dry savannah region of West Africa, vol 9, Impact assessment series. International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Nairobi

    Google Scholar 

  • Lal R (1997) Residue management, conservation tillage and soil restoration for mitigating greenhouse effect by CO2-enrichment. Soil Tillage Res 43:81

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lal R (2009a) Soil and food sufficiency. A review. Agron Sustain Dev 29:113–133

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lal R (2009b) Laws of sustainable soil management. Agron Sustain Dev 29:7–9

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lekasi JK, Tanner JC, Kimani SK, Harris PJC (1998) Manure management in Kenya highlands: practices and potential. HDRA Publications, Coventry

    Google Scholar 

  • Lekasi JK, Bekunda M, Woomer PL, Tenywa J (2001) Effect of mulching cabbage with banana residues on cabbage yield, soil nutrient and moisture supply, and biota and weed biomass. Afr Crop Sci J 9:499–506

    Google Scholar 

  • Lekasi JK, Ndung’u KW, Kifuko MN (2003a) A scientific perspective on composting. In: Savala CEN, Omare MN, Woomer PL (eds) Organic resource management in Kenya: perspectives and guidelines. The Forum for Organic Resource Management and Agricultural Technologies, Nairobi, pp 65–70

    Google Scholar 

  • Lekasi JK, Tanner JC, Kimani SK, Harris PJC (2003b) Cattle manure quality in Maragua district, Central Kenya: effect of management practices and development of simple methods of assessment. Agric Ecosyst Environ 94:289–298

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Manson JB, Lotfi M, Dalmiya N, Sethuraman K, Deitchler M, Geibel S, Gillenwater K, Gilman A, Mason K, Mock N (2001) The micronutrient report: current progress in the control of vitamin A, iodine, and iron deficiencies, Micronutrient initiative. International Development Research Center, Ottawa

    Google Scholar 

  • Manu A, Bationo A, Geiger SC (1991) Fertility status of selected millet producing soils in West Africa with emphasis on phosphorus. Soil Sci 152:315–320

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mapfumo P, Campbell BM, Mpepereki S, Mafongoya P (2001) Legumes in soil fertility management: the case of pigeonpea in smallholder farming systems of Zimbabwe. Afr Crop Sci J 9:629–644

    Google Scholar 

  • Mueller L, Schindler U, Mirschel W, Shepherd TG, Ball BC, Helming K, Rogasik J, Eulenstein F, Wiggering H (2010) Assessing the productivity function of soils. A review. Agron Sustain Dev 30(3):601–614

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Myers RJK, Palm CA, Cuevas E, Gunatilleke IUN, Brossard M (1994) The synchronization of nutrient mineralization and plant nutrient demand. In: Woomer PL, Swift MJ (eds) The biological management of tropical soil fertility. Wiley, Chichester, pp 81–116

    Google Scholar 

  • N’dungu KW, Kfuko MN, Okalebo JR (2003) Producing fortified compost from crop residues. In: Savala EN, Omare MN, Woomer PL (eds) Organic resource management in Kenya: perspectives and guidelines. Forum for Organic Resource Management and Agricultural Technologies, Nairobi, pp 71–74

    Google Scholar 

  • Noble I, Scholes RJ (2001) Sinks and the Kyoto Protocol. Climate Policy 1:5–25

    Google Scholar 

  • Novak SM, Fiorelli JL (2010) Greenhouse gases and ammonia emissions from organic mixed crop-dairy systems: a critical review of mitigation options. Agron Sustain Dev 30:215–236

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • NRCS-USDA (2005) National planning procedures handbook. Subpart B, Part 600.50. Draft comprehensive nutrient management planning technical guidance. Available on-line www.nrca.usda.gov/programs/afo/cnmp_guide_600.50.html. Accessed 15 June 2009

  • Nye PH, Greenland DJ (1964) Changes in the soil after clearing tropical forest. Plant Soil 21:101–112

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nziguheba G, Merckx R, Palm CA, Rao MR (2000) Organic residues affect phosphorus availability and maize yields in a nitisol of Western Kenya. Biol Fertil Soils 32:328–339

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Oenema O (2004) Government policies and measures regulating nitrogen and phosphorus from animal manure in European agriculture. J Anim Sci 82(e. Suppl):E196–E206

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Okalebo JR, Palm CA, Lekasi JK, Nandwa SM, Otieno CO, Waigwa M, Ndungu KW (2003) Use of organic and inorganic resources to increase maize yields in some Kenyan infertile soils: a five-year experience. In: Bationo A (ed) Managing nutrient cycles to sustain soil fertility in sub-Saharan Africa. Academy Science Publishers, Nairobi, pp 359–372

    Google Scholar 

  • Ong CK, Black CR (1995) Complementary in resource use in agroforestry systems. In: Kang BT (ed) Proceedings of second international Alley farming workshop. International Development Research Centre, Ottawa, Canada

    Google Scholar 

  • Palm CA, Gachengo CN, Delve RJ, Cadisch G, Giller KE (2001) Organic inputs for soil fertility management in tropical agroecosystems: application of an organic resource database. Agric Ecosyst Environ 83:27–42

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pieri C (1989) Fertilité des terres de savannes. SIRAD Institute Recherches Agronomiques Tropicales, Paris

    Google Scholar 

  • Place F, Barret CB, Freeman HA, Ramisch JJ, Vanlauwe B (2003) Prospects for integrated soil fertility management using organic and inorganic inputs: evidence from smallholder African agricultural systems. Food Policy 28:365–378

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Powell JM, Fernandez S, Hiernaux P, Turner M (1996) Nutrient cycling in integrated rangeland/cropland systems of the Sahel. Agric Syst 52:143–170

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Powell JM, Pearson RA, Hiernaux PH (2004) Crop-livestock interactions in the West African drylands. Agron J 96:469–483

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pypers P, Verstraete S, Thi CP, Merckx R (2005) Changes in mineral nitrogen, phosphorus availability and salt-extractable aluminum following the application of green manure residues in two weathered soils of South Vietnam. Soil Biol Biochem 37:163–172

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Reardon T, Kelly V, Crawford E, Jayne T, Savadogo K, Clay D (1997) Determinants of farm productivity in Africa: a synthesis of four case studies. Technical paper no. 75. SD publication series. Office of Sustainable Development, Bureau for Africa, MSU, AMEX International, Inc, Washington, DC, USA

    Google Scholar 

  • Reicosky DC (2008) Carbon sequestration and environmental benefits from no-till systems. In: Goddard T, Zoebisch MA, Gan YT, Ellis W, Watson A, Sombatpanit S (eds) No-till farming systems. World Association of Soil and Water Conservation, Bangkok, pp 43–58

    Google Scholar 

  • Roose E, Barthes B (2001) Organic matter management for soil conservation and productivity restoration in Africa: a contribution from francophone research. Nutr Cycl Agroecosyst 61:159–170

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rumley OR, Ong C (2007) Wetting Africa’s appetite. Conservation agriculture is turning rainfall into higher crop yields and catching on. RELMA review series 3, Nairobi, Kenya

    Google Scholar 

  • Sanchez PA (1994) Tropical soil fertility research toward the second paradigm. In: 15th World Congress of Soil Science, Acapulco, Mexico, pp 65–88

    Google Scholar 

  • Sanginga N, Woomer PL (eds) (2009) Integrated soil fertility management in Africa: principles, practices and developmental process. Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility Institute of the International Centre for Tropical Agriculture, Nairobi, 263pp

    Google Scholar 

  • Sanginga N, Okogun JA, Vanlauwe B, Diels J, Dashiell K (2001) Contribution of nitrogen fixation to the maintenance of soil fertility with emphasis on promiscuous soybean maize-based cropping systems in the moist savanna of West Africa. In: Tian G, Ishida F, Keatinge JDH (eds) Sustaining soil fertility in West Africa. American Society of Agron., Madison, pp 157–178

    Google Scholar 

  • Savala CEN, Omare MN, Woomer PL (eds) (2003) Organic resource management in Kenya: perspectives and guidelines. Forum for Organic Resource Management and Agricultural Technologies, Nairobi, p 184

    Google Scholar 

  • Shepherd KD, Walsh MG (2007) Infrared spectroscopy enabling evidence-based diagnostic surveillance approach to agricultural and environmental management in developing countries. J Near Infrared Spectrosc 15:1–19

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Smaling EMA, Braun AR (1996) Soil fertility research in sub-Saharan Africa: new dimensions, new challenges. Commun Soil Sci Plant Anal 27:365–386

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Swift MJ, Heal OW, Anderson JM (1979) Decomposition in terrestrial ecosystems. Blackwell Scientific Publishers, Oxford

    Google Scholar 

  • UNEP (2000) Biosolids management: an environmentally sound approach for managing sewage treatment plant sludge: an introductory guide to decision-makers. United Nations Environmental Programme, Nairobi, Kenya. Available on-line at www.unep.or.jp/ietc/Publications/Freshwater/FMS1/5.asp. Accessed 12 Mar 2010

  • Vanlauwe B, Giller KE (2006) Popular myths around soil fertility management in sub-Saharan Africa. Agric Ecosyst Environ 166:43–46

    Google Scholar 

  • Vanlauwe B, Sanginga N (1995) Efficiency of the use of N from pruning and soil organic matter dynamics in Leucaena leucocephala alley cropping in Southwestern Nigeria. In: Roy RN, Dudal R (eds) Integrated plant nutrition systems. FAO, Rome, pp 279–292

    Google Scholar 

  • Vanlauwe B, Sanginga N, Merckx R (1998) Soil organic matter dynamics after addition of nitrogen-15-labeled leucaena and dactyladenia residues. Soil Sci Soc Am J 62:461–466

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Vanlauwe B, Aihou K, Aman S, Iwuafor ENO, Tossah BK, Diels J, Sanginga N, Merckx R, Deckers S (2001a) Maize yield as affected by organic inputs and urea in the West African moist savanna. Agron J 93:1191–1199

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vanlauwe B, Wendt J, Diels J (2001b) Combined application of organic matter and fertilizer. In: Tian G, Ishida F, Keating JDH (eds) Sustaining soil fertility in West Africa. SSSA Special Publication no. 58. Soil Science Society of America, Madison, pp 247–280

    Google Scholar 

  • Vanlauwe B, Gachengo C, Shepherd K, Barrios E, Cadisch G, Palm CA (2005) Laboratory validation of a resource quality-based conceptual framework for organic matter management. Soil Sci Soc Am J 69:1135–1145

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Vanlauwe B, Tittonell P, Mukalama J (2006) Within-farm soil fertility gradients affect response of maize to fertilizer application in Western Kenya. Nutr Cycl Agroforest 76:171–182

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Woomer PL (2007) Costs and returns to soil fertility management options in Western Kenya. In: Bationo A (ed) Advances in integrated soil fertility research in sub-Saharan Africa: challenges and opportunities. Springer, Dordrecht, pp 877–885

    Google Scholar 

  • Woomer PL, Martin A, Albrrecht A, Resck DVS, Sharpenseel HW (1994) The importance and management of soil organic matter in the tropics. In: Woomer PL, Swift MJ (eds) The biological management of tropical soil fertility. Wiley, Chichester, pp 47–80

    Google Scholar 

  • Woomer PL, Bekunda M, Nkalubo S (1999) Estimation of banana yield based on bunch phenology. Afr Crop Sci J 7:341–347

    Google Scholar 

  • Woomer PL, Bokanga MA, Odhiambo GD (2008) Striga management and the African farmer. Outlook Agric 37:245–310

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Agriculture & Agro-Industry (OSAN) Department, African Development Bank, 323 – 1002, Tunis Belvedere, Tunisia

    Jonas N. Chianu

  2. Consultant CIAT-TSBF, c/o World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), UN Avenue, Gigiri, 30677, Nairobi, Kenya

    Justina N. Chianu

  3. TSBF-CIAT c/o World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), UN Avenue, Gigiri, 30677, Nairobi, Kenya

    Franklin Mairura

Authors
  1. Jonas N. Chianu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Justina N. Chianu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Franklin Mairura
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jonas N. Chianu .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. INRA-CMSE-PME, rue Sully 17, Dijon, 21000, France

    Eric Lichtfouse

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2012 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Chianu, J.N., Chianu, J.N., Mairura, F. (2012). Organic Fertilizers in Sub-Saharan Farming Systems. In: Lichtfouse, E. (eds) Organic Fertilisation, Soil Quality and Human Health. Sustainable Agriculture Reviews, vol 9. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-4113-3_3

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation