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.