Integrated nutrient management in mango production: Knowledge and associated constraints in south-west Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined farmers‘ knowledge and constraints associated with integrated nutrient fertilizers nutrient sources use for mango  production in the south-west zone of Nigeria. Multistage sampling technique was used to select 105 respondents and data were collected  using structured questionnaires and results data analyzed with descriptive statistics. Majority (90.4%) of mango farmers were  males and married (92.4%) with 80.9% having basic education while and majority (90.4%) had an average household size of 7 persons.  Majority (83.95%) had less than three (3) acres of farmland and majority (85.7%) of the respondents intercropped their mango with other  crops. Only 2.9% of the respondents cultivated mango using grafted seedlings; majority (68.5%) did not apply fertilizers on their mango  farms while and only 36.7% were aware of integrated nutrient fertilizer use. Mango fruits are harvested at different stages, with 49.5%,  harvest when fully ripe, 47.6% harvest when partially ripe and 2.9% harvest unripe fruits of the farmers carried out their mango harvest  when fully ripe, partially ripe and unripe respectively. While varieties cultivated in the zone included Kent, Julie, Ogbomosho, Palaba and  Cherry, with Ogbomosho being was the predominantly preferred variety. Pest and disease infestation (80.0%), grazing animals (76.7%),  inadequate extension contact (73.3%), fluctuating weather conditions (70.0%) and fruit theft (70.0%) were ranked the most challenging  constraints to mango production in the studied area south-west Nigeria. The study helped to point out the need for recommends that  improvements in mango production in the zone are needed by through integrated nutrient management, pest and disease control, while  efforts to control animal grazing animals and provision of sufficient extension services should be put in place contact.