Quality assessment of blended NPK fertilizers available to farmers in Enugu State, Nigeria: Evidence for stronger jurisdiction

Abstract

A survey was carried out to evaluate market and dealer characteristics that are likely to affect the quality of blended NPK 20:10:10 fertilizer products available to farmers in markets of major farming areas in Enugu State, Nigeria. In addition, the fertilizer bag weights, packaging and storage conditions and nutrient (NPK) contents were audited. Five markets (Orie Adani, Afor Obollo, Ogbete Enugu, Orie Agwu and Ogige Nsukka) were purposively sampled and three common blended NPK fertilizer brands namely: Federal, Ebonyi and Kano were identified. A qualitative visual coding of segregation, presence of filler materials, impurities, granule integrity and caking were made. The results of the nutrient analysis were compared with Manufacturers quoted grades and those Out of Compliance with the National Fertilizer Quality (Control) Act, 2019 (S.B 338) standards tolerance limits (TL) were identified. We found that all the fertilizers tested failed to meet the nutrient quality (20:10:10) claimed by the manufacturers. However, Federal had the highest quality potential grade (15:8:7), followed by Ebonyi (14:8:7), while Kano had the lowest (7:7:8). There was no problem with underweight bags and the likelihood of bags tearing or fertilizer getting wet was low. The average price per 50 kg bag was #27,000.00 for Federal, #21,500.00 for Ebonyi and #7,300.00 for Kano. Given the high cost, retailers resorted to breaking the bulk and selling it in 5 and 2.5 kg bags. Conclusively, there is evidence of diversity in nutrient percentages and dysfunctional markets characterized by little or no regulation.