Bridging Knowledge Gaps in Phosphorus Fertilization: Insights into Rice Farmers' Practices and Environmental Sustainability

Phosphorus plays a crucial role in agricultural productivity, yet its mismanagement, particularly excessive application, poses significant environmental risks, including water quality degradation and eutrophication. This study aimed to assess rice farmers' knowledge, perceptions, and practices regarding phosphorus fertilization. A structured questionnaire was administered to 210 rice farmers across 18 villages within three states (Anambra, Ebonyi, and Enugu) following a multistage sampling procedure. The survey data were analyzed using IBM-SPSS statistical software. Farmers demonstrate a good understanding of phosphorus's essential role in plant growth, maturity, and resilience, as well as the major symptoms of phosphorus deficiency, such as stunting and reduced tillering. The farmers’ fertilizer purchasing behaviour was mostly influenced by price, nutrient content, safety, subsidies, and social influence. The import status of fertilizer is less important in the purchasing decision. Though the results revealed a high level of awareness among farmers regarding the environmental impacts of excessive phosphorus application, gaps were identified, particularly regarding the effects of phosphorus runoff on water bodies, where 22.9% of the farmers were unaware of its detrimental impact on water quality. The study concludes that while rice farmers in Southeastern Nigeria have a significant understanding of the environmental effects of phosphorus use, targeted education and outreach programs are necessary to bridge knowledge gaps and promote sustainable fertilization practices. The study recommends the development of training programs and the promotion of climate-resilient phosphorus management strategies to mitigate environmental risks and enhance sustainable agricultural production in the region.