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Nutrient balances in smallholder farms in northern Ethiopia

Depletion of soil nutrient is a major impediment for food production in sub‐Saharan Africa, but little is known about nutrient dynamics at the farm level. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate nutrient management on a range of contrasting farms by estimating balances of N, P and K. Representative farmers of three wealth classes (rich, medium and poor) were selected from two different agro‐ecological regions (Alaje and Raya Azebo) in northern Ethiopia. The MonQI model based on data obtained from farm questionnaires was used for processing and analysis of partial nutrient balances (input from mineral and organic fertilizer minus output with crop and straw) and full balances (all input sources minus output with crop, erosion, leaching and gaseous losses). Partial N, P and K balances were 25.6, 6.3 and 7.8 kg ha−1 in Alaje and −7.1, 10.6 and −6.7 kg ha−1 in Raya Azebo. Full N, P and K balances were −26.2, 6.7 and 2.9 kg ha−1 in Alaje and −17.9, 11.1 and −5.3 kg ha−1 in Raya Azebo. Partial N and K and full K balances were different (p < .05) between the regions. Farms owned by rich and poor farmers differed in full N balances in Alaje and in partial N balances in Raya Azebo (p < .05). With the use of more fertilizer, N losses to the environment also increased. Generally, soil stocks of N and K are further declining. There is a need for socio‐economic policies to introduce effective nutrient management on the farms and to provide poorer farmers' access to fertilizer.