Kanwa cattle salt as a potential micronutrient fertilizer in Nigeria's middle belt

Abstract

Until recently kanwa has primarily been known as a mineral supplement fed to traditionally managed cattle in central and northern Nigeria. Preliminary studies carried out by ILCA's Subhumid Zone Programme in 1984 indicated its potential as an economically attractive source of plant micronutrients. A 200 kg/ha increase in the crude protein yield of stylo (Stylosanthes hamata cv. Verano) was obtained by applying 50kg of kanwa per ha, at a total cost of only US$ 5.00.

Authors

  • Mohamed-Saleem, M.A.
  • Otsyina, R.M.
  • Suleiman, H.
  • Kaufmann, Ralph R. von