Assessment of Soil Fertility Management Practices of Smallholder Rice Farmers in Niger State, North Central Nigeria

This study assesses soil fertility management practices of smallholder rice farmers in Niger State, located in Nigeria's North Central geopolitical zone. Rice is a major food and income crop for smallholder farmers in the lowland and upland ecologies of Niger State, and soil fertility management is central to closing the yield gap between farmers' average yields and attainable productivity in the region. Using a descriptive survey design, structured questionnaires were administered to 150 rice farmers across Lavun, Mokwa, and Wushishi local government areas. Information collected covered soil fertility management inputs used, application methods and rates, knowledge of soil testing, access to advisory services, and socioeconomic constraints to input use. Soil samples were collected from 30 participating farmers' plots and analysed for pH, organic carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus. Findings revealed that only 22 percent of surveyed farmers applied any form of fertiliser during the survey season, predominantly urea applied once without split application. Organic manure use was reported by 14 percent of respondents. Zero tillage residue management without organic matter return was the dominant practice. Mean soil organic carbon on surveyed rice plots was 0.9 percent and available phosphorus was below 8 mg/kg in 77 percent of sampled soils. High fertiliser cost and limited access to extension services were the primary barriers to improved soil management. The study recommends subsidised fertiliser access programmes and integration of legume crops in rice farming systems for Niger State smallholders. Keywords: soil fertility management, rice farmers, Niger State, fertiliser, smallholder.