A soil scientist, Dr Musa Abdullahi, has urged farmers to embrace use of compost manure to boost agricultural productivity, soil health and preserve ecosystem.
He also tasked extension agents to intensify campaigns to encourage application of compost manure by farmers.
Abdullahi said this in an interview with Newsmen on Tuesday in Bauchi.
Compost manure is a nutrient-rich fertiliser created by decomposing animal manure along with other organic materials.
It improves soil fertility, enhances plant growth, reduces the need for synthetic fertilisers, volume and odors, making it easier to handle and store.
According to Abdullahi, organic matter is critical to restoring soil fertility and ensuring food security.
He said compost manure not only enriches soils with nutrients but also improves water retention, soil structure, and microbial activity.
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The expert warned that high reliance on chemical fertilisers without organic inputs gradually degraded the soil and undermined farm productivity.
“Extension workers are the link between scientific knowledge and the rural farmers.
“They must take the lead in showing farmers how to prepare and apply compost manure, without their guidance, many farmers remain unaware of the benefits of organic matter in soil health.
“Extension workers must not just distribute fertilisers, they should educate farmers on combining organic and inorganic methods.
“Compost is cheap, available, and environment friendly. With proper extension support, every farmer can adopt it,” he said.
Abdullahi advocated establishment of farm demonstration and skills programmes to train farmers on practical composting methods using household and farm wastes.
This, he said, would reduce production costs for farmers and build long term soil fertility.
He also recommended complementary practices such as crop rotation, cover cropping, and Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM), which blends compost with limited fertiliser use.
While calling for adequate funding and training for extension agents, Abdullahi highlighted that sustainable agriculture begins with healthy soil nurtured through compost and organic practices.