Fertilizer Use in the Project Provinces

Although some efforts have been made to introduce soil analysis for better fertilizer application, the impact is limited. The “annual provincial extension programs” include nutrient management but due to problems regarding resource allocation, the effectiveness of these efforts are questionable. Therefore,  inorganic fertilizer application is another source of non-point pollution in Kizilirmak and Yesilirmak watersheds.  A baseline survey conducted in early 2002 in these watersheds indicated that only 15% of the farmers follows the advice given by the extension staff, traditional practices and “learning from the neighbor” is still dominant.