African Ruminant Science (Agri/Animal Science)

Advancing Scholarship Across the Continent

Vol. 2009 No. 1 (2009)

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Improving Soil Health and Fertility through Agroecological Practices in Ghana: An Agronomic Perspective

Emmanuel Danquah Owusu, University for Development Studies (UDS) Adjoa Afrah Adzube, Department of Soil Science, University for Development Studies (UDS) Kwesi Yaw Acheampong, Department of Agricultural Economics, University for Development Studies (UDS) Amadu Kofi Mensah, Department of Animal Science, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR-Ghana)
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.18888942
Published: March 20, 2009

Abstract

Soil health and fertility are critical for sustainable agricultural productivity in Ghana, where smallholder farmers rely heavily on rain-fed systems. A mixed-method approach was employed, including farmer interviews and soil analysis. Data were collected from 50 randomly selected plots across three regions. Analysis revealed significant improvements (p < 0.05) in soil organic matter content by 12% after implementing agroecological practices compared to control areas. Agroecological practices significantly enhance soil health, leading to improved crop yields and economic benefits for smallholder farmers in Ghana. Farmers should be encouraged to adopt integrated pest management strategies along with agroforestry systems to further improve their agricultural productivity. The empirical specification follows $Y=\beta_0+\beta^\top X+\varepsilon$, and inference is reported with uncertainty-aware statistical criteria.

How to Cite

Emmanuel Danquah Owusu, Adjoa Afrah Adzube, Kwesi Yaw Acheampong, Amadu Kofi Mensah (2009). Improving Soil Health and Fertility through Agroecological Practices in Ghana: An Agronomic Perspective. African Ruminant Science (Agri/Animal Science), Vol. 2009 No. 1 (2009). https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18888942

Keywords

Geographic Terms: Sahelian Methodological Terms: Agroecology Theoretical Terms: Holistic Farming Relevant Concepts: Soil Biology Ecosystem Services Agrobiodiversity

References