Year of publication
1997
Excerpt
In short:
The semi-arid savanna zone of Northern Ghana covers approximately 97,700 square km2. The area is underlain by a wide range of rock types which vary in physical and mineralogical properties within and between rock types. The major rock types are granite, phyllite, sandstone and shale (Junner and Hurst, 1946). The soils in various pilot areas vary in quality. Nearly all soils v are low in nutrient reserves due to strong weathering and very low organic matter content.
The farmers mapping using indigenous knowledge gave similar output as the results of the formal studies. A fair correlation was established between scientific and farmers' independent perceptions of the soils in two pilot sites. The study revealed that farmers have ample knowledge of the soil resources in their environment which should be shared with scientists to sustain and improve crop production potentail.
Recommendations are given for assistance to farmers for improving soil fertility, land preparation
The semi-arid savanna zone of Northern Ghana covers approximately 97,700 square km2. The area is underlain by a wide range of rock types which vary in physical and mineralogical properties within and between rock types. The major rock types are granite, phyllite, sandstone and shale (Junner and Hurst, 1946). The soils in various pilot areas vary in quality. Nearly all soils v are low in nutrient reserves due to strong weathering and very low organic matter content.
The farmers mapping using indigenous knowledge gave similar output as the results of the formal studies. A fair correlation was established between scientific and farmers' independent perceptions of the soils in two pilot sites. The study revealed that farmers have ample knowledge of the soil resources in their environment which should be shared with scientists to sustain and improve crop production potentail.
Recommendations are given for assistance to farmers for improving soil fertility, land preparation