A Theoretical Framework for Precision Nutrition Management in High-Value Vegetable Production Under Protected Environment Agriculture in Nigeria

Protected environment agriculture (greenhouse and screen house production) is expanding in Nigerian peri-urban areas, and the precision nutrition management required for high yields in these systems differs fundamentally from open-field management, yet no theoretical framework for precision nutrition in Nigerian protected vegetable production exists. This study developed an original theoretical framework for precision nutrition management in protected environment vegetable production in Nigeria, with empirical grounding at greenhouse facilities in Ogun, Plateau, and Abuja research sites. A multi-disciplinary methodology combining nutritional physiology modelling, irrigation-fertigation system design theory, and empirical plant nutrition trials was employed. Tissue nutrient analysis at 14-day intervals across tomato, cucumber, and sweet pepper crops grown in coir substrate and deep water culture NFT systems characterised crop nutrient demand curves and critical deficiency thresholds under Nigerian light and temperature conditions. The original Precision Nutrition Management Framework (PNMF-Nigeria) proposes crop-stage-specific nutrient demand windows for N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and Fe, coupled with a real-time EC-pH-based fertigation adjustment algorithm calibrated for the high temperature and evaporative demand conditions of Nigerian greenhouses. Field validation at three sites showed PNMF-Nigeria-guided fertigation reduced nutrient solution cost by 23 percent while increasing tomato yield by 18 percent compared to standard fertiliser schedule management. The framework constitutes an original contribution to greenhouse nutrition science under tropical conditions and is recommended for adoption by the NIHORT greenhouse extension programme.

Keywords: precision nutrition, protected agriculture, greenhouse, fertigation, Nigeria