Indigenous System of Soil Fertility Management in a Typical Farm Settlement in Osun State, Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Lives on earth depends on soil for survival and functioning as soil provides the basis for livelihood, however, this essential resource has been totally degraded and depleted due to human mismanagement and thus hampering its productivity potential. Therefore, this study focused on the knowledge of the peasant farmer’s indigenous system of soil fertility management with a view to documenting and comparing the indigenous and scientific knowledge adopted by farmer in assessing soil nutrient availability status in Ago-Owu farm settlement. The physico-chemical analysis of the soil samples for soil characterization and land dynamics are in agreement  with the indigenous knowledge in operation in the study area. The study concluded that it is essential to integrate the traditional knowledge base as a complimentary component to the modern methods for effective management of soil fertility as an essential resource.