Abstract:
During the last decade or so, the increasing use of mineral fertilizers has led
to impressive yield increases in E thiopia, Major emphasis was given to the supply
of the main cacronutrients, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium,
' For a long- time it was thought that under the existing farming systems and
fertilizing practices, the level of micro-nutrients was adequate and that the problem
of micronutrient d eficien cies was not a serious one* Consequently, the study on the
status o f microelements in the country 1ms received very little attention* To date
there is no av?„ilable information that can rive a comprehensive picture o f ' the
general status of micro-nutrients in the country* As agriculture becomes more advanced
and intensive farming systems develop, however, the d eficiency of micronutrients will
become more frequent and. extensive. Before the problem, of micronutrient deficiency
reaches a critical stage in- the inotiate future, it would he wise .to make a comprehensive study into the status o f micronutrients in the various regions o f the country*
Preliminary, diagnostic investigations on the a v a ila b ility o f microelements are
necessary as a f ir s t step in dealing with problems of deficiency in the future.
The purpose o f the present study was to provide some basic information on the
general status o f m icronutricnts under different soil, clim atic and cultural conditions.
The resu lts from the study w ill help lo ate and limit the problem areas, soils and.
conditions where specific micronutrients are likely to be deficient and Where' more
detailed future research and experimentation is needed. It will also make soil and.
crop scientists better acquainted with the problem of micronutrients and provide
useful guidelines fo r future research and practical work on a national basis.