Table 1_Heterogeneous allocation of organic fertilizer under spatial constraints: evidence from Northern Ghana.docx

Maize plots were more likely to receive organic fertilizer, whereas plots perceived as fertile were less likely to do so. Longer travel time from the homestead to the plot was negatively associated with plot-level organic fertilizer use and with within-household allocation, indicating that less accessible plots were less likely to receive organic fertilizer, whereas the association with application intensity differed by input type.

Importantly, allocation patterns differed by input type; that is, poultry manure was concentrated in nearby plots, whereas compost was applied more widely across space. These findings suggest that organic fertilizer use reflects a context-specific allocation strategy associated with spatial constraints and input characteristics. As such, this study provides a more nuanced understanding of smallholder decision-making by going beyond a mere binary focus on adoption.

Instead of assuming uniform application, policy and extension efforts should emphasize targeted site-specific interventions that may enhance fertilizer effectiveness and promote sustainable soil fertility management.</p>