DETERMINANTS OF DEMAND FOR FERTILIZER IN VERTISOL CROPPING SYSTEMS INETHIOPIA

Fertilizer demand analysis of wheat and teff grown in Vertisols of Ada and Lume, Ethiopia, was carried out to assess the factors that determ ine demand for fertilizers. Preliminary results revealed that family s ize, income, distance, price, oxen, and yield tended to be important f actors influencing fertilizer use in Ada. The same analysis indicated that in the Lume area, availability of rainfall, timely delivery of fe rtilizer, farm sizes, and income but not price were significant determ inants of the level of demand for fertilizer. Diammonium phosphate (DA P) was found to be the most widespread fertilizer for all the crops gr own on Vertisols of the region. In all cases sub-optimal use of fertil izer was being practiced with different methods of application, both d eviating from the recommended rates and practices. Only a few farmers were applying the recommended rate for teff and wheat. During fertiliz er shortage, crop rotation was being practiced to maintain soil fertil ity. Some policy issues relevant to the use of fertilizer were also co nsidered in the study.