MITIGATING LAND DEGRADATION WITH CHEMICAL FERTILIZER APPLICATION IN THE ASUNAFO FOREST, GHANA

Abstract

Spatial distribution of soil properties of the Asunafo Forest was investigated alongside the effect of chemical fertilizer application to the soils. The aim was to provide baseline soil characteristics and soil responses to chemical fertilization in order to aid farming and land management decision making. With the help of satellite imageries and Global Position System (GPS) soil sample sites were identified. Soil samples were collected from fifteen sites at the depth of 0 – 20 cm and analyzed at the laboratory. Soil pH ranged from 5.76 – 6.88. The study revealed ammonium nitrogen range of (280 – 868 mgNH4+-Nkg-1), nitrate nitrogen (186 – 448 mgNO3-Nkg), available P (1.45 – 5.15 mg/kg) and available K (3.1 – 12.39 mg/kg). As confirmed by a pot experiment, chemical fertilizer application can raise crop production of degraded lands. Maize yields on degraded soil increased between 8% and 72% under chemical fertilization. Chemical fertilizer treatment to both degraded and non-degraded soil, showed maize yield differences of 2% - 15%. The study supports findings of previous research that chemical fertilization hide or mask land degradation.