Professor of Soil Fertility Management, Professor Olufemi Julius Ayodele has advocated effective management of Soils using technologies, fertilizers and constant research to increase crop production in Nigeria .
He described soil fertility as soil that possesses essential plant nutrients for plant growth and reproduction irrespective of environmental hazards which might inhibit plant growth.
Professor Ayodele made this known at the 71st inaugural lecture of Ekiti State University titled: “Fertile Nigeria, infertile soils and fertilizers: A Tractable Nexus or Contradiction? held on 27th April, 2023 at the school Auditorium.
Professor Ayodele noted that fertile soil has sufficient exploitable soil depth for adequate root growth and water retention, adding that good internal drainage for sufficient aeration for optimal root growth, topsoil with sufficient organic matter support plants growth .
He however hinted that inadequate distribution of nutrients deficiency are responsible for low soil fertility in Nigeria which resulted to relatively low production of farm produce.
Professor Ayodele was of the firm belief that if Nigeria soils could provide balanced nourishment for plants, saying such condition was necessary for man’s existence on Earth. He said” It is an intrinsic property that describes the ability of soil to sustain crop productivity , maintain environmental quality and provide for plant, animal and human health”
He stressed further that soil fertility is not static but changes in the direction of accumulation as determined by the interplay of physical, chemical, biological and anthropogenic processes.
While Proffering solutions to soil depletion which has been affecting crops production in Nigeria, Professor Ayodele had advocated in his paper, proper application of fertilizers to soil for bountiful crops increase.
Adding that where supply of fertilizers are not adequate, waste products should be collected and used. ” The bio- degradable components can be composed, enriched with specified as various grades of organo- mineral fertilizers. The sorted metal and hydrocarbon scraps should be sold as raw materials for recycling in some industries .
The professor of soil fertility also suggested soil fertility evaluation, soil testing, precision agriculture- digital technologies, hydroponics and integrated nutrients management system to boost crops yields, saying given priorities to the aforementioned would help Nigeria combat food shortage .
Professor Olufemi Julius Ayodele bagged PhD in Agronomy (Soil Fertility) from University of Ibadan in 1980, joined National Horticultural Research Institute Ibadan in 1984, Joined Ekiti- Akoko Agricultural Development Project (EAADP) Ikole Ekiti and later appointed as Acting Marketing manager of National Fertilizer Company of Nigeria Limited (NAFCON) Onne in Rivers State in 1987 and finally returned to class room to impact knowledge on students.
Recall, that within 3 years the institution under vice Chancellor Edward Olanipekun, had organised eighteen inaugural lectures and many researches that would soon be unveiled According to the school management.
In attendance at the inaugural lecture were: top management, Head of Departments, families friends, well wishers and students.
