African Forest Products Journal (Forestry)

Advancing Scholarship Across the Continent

Vol. 2009 No. 1 (2009)

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Enhancing Soil Health and Fertility through Agroecological Approaches in Ghana

Yaw Gyamfi, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research Kofi Adjei, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi Nii Ameyaw Jr, Department of Soil Science, Accra Technical University
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.18889791
Published: March 6, 2009

Abstract

Ghana faces challenges in maintaining soil health due to intensive farming practices, leading to decreased fertility and productivity. Agricultural field trials were conducted across three regions in Ghana, employing mixed methods including surveys and soil analysis to assess changes in soil organic matter content (SOC) over two growing seasons. Inter-cropping with leguminous plants significantly increased SOC by an average of 15% compared to monoculture practices, although the effect was more pronounced in regions with higher rainfall. Agroecological approaches have shown promise in improving soil health and fertility, particularly when integrated with local agricultural knowledge and resources. Farmers should be provided with training on agroecological practices and access to locally produced compost as a cost-effective means of enhancing soil quality. Soil Fertility, Agroecology, Ghana, Inter-cropping, Composting The empirical specification follows $Y=\beta_0+\beta^\top X+\varepsilon$, and inference is reported with uncertainty-aware statistical criteria.

How to Cite

Yaw Gyamfi, Kofi Adjei, Nii Ameyaw Jr (2009). Enhancing Soil Health and Fertility through Agroecological Approaches in Ghana. African Forest Products Journal (Forestry), Vol. 2009 No. 1 (2009). https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18889791

Keywords

African agroecologysoil biodiversityintegrated pest managementsustainable agricultureconservation tillageorganic amendmentsintercropping

References