Assessment of the Usage of Liquid Fertilizer Technology in Dry Season Vegetable Production in Nigeria

The use of liquid fertilizer as an alternate means of improving soil fertility has the possibility of increasing the quality and quantity of food crops. Specifically, this study was designed to examine the level of usage of liquid fertilizer among the dry season vegetable farmers; determine the intensity of usage; and identify the determinants of liquid fertilizer usage among the farmers. Data was collected from 309 farmers using a pretested interview schedule. Descriptive statistics and multinomial logistic regression were used for data analysis. The study revealed that only 28.1% of vegetable farmers used liquid fertilizer. Farm size, quantity of water, membership of vegetable association and mode of irrigation increased the likelihood that the farmers would use sole liquid fertilizer relative to sole nonliquid fertilizer. Amounts of pesticide and water, sex of the farmer, household size and years of education determined the usage of the combination of both liquid and nonliquid fertilizer relative to sole non liquid fertilizer. The study concluded that there was a low level of usage of liquid fertilizer and therefore recommended the need for more awareness on the existence and usage of liquid fertilizer through improved extension activities.