The Use and Agronomic Effectiveness of Kraal Manures in the Transkei Region of the Eastern Cape, South Africa

Abstract

The Transkei region of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa has got a high agricultural potential. However, poor nutrient supply is known to be a major yield-limiting factor in this region which, is dominated by small-scale farmers. The main local source of nutrients available in the area is kraal manure, and a number of small-scale farmers are using this resource to address their soil fertility problems. However, the nutrient supply practices of the farmers and their effectiveness have hitherto not thoroughly been investigated. This study was undertaken to address this need, and to provide a basis for efficient and effective use of kraal manure for crop production by resource-poor farmers in the former Transkei.