Shrestha, B., S. L. Maskey, R. K. Shrestha, B. P. Tripathi, Y. G. Khadka, R. C. Munankarmi, E. M. Bhattarai and S. P. Shrestha (2000). Soil Fertility Management: Farmers’ Practices and Perception in the Hills of Nepal. Technical Paper No. 2000/(4). Kaski, Nepal: Agriculture Research Station, Lumle.
The inefficiency in the utilization of soil nutrients leads to declining soil fertility and crop productivity. Despite considerable knowledge on efficient soil fertility management technologies, technology adoption by farmers seems to be limited due to several factors like biophysical, socio-economic and institutional environments. This paper presents the farmers' practices and perceptions in soil fertility management in integrity across the hills of Nepal. The farmers' practices on the use of chemical fertilizers, farm yard manure (FYM) / compost. Organic derived materials (as, oil cakes, etc.), green manure, mulching and in-situ manuring and their perceptions on the underlying benefits, problems and reasons for not practicing are presented. Besides, other soil fertility enhancing techniques, livestock holding scenario, labour issues and research/farmers' needs are presented. The lack of awareness about recommended doses of chemical fertilizers, improved methods of preparing FYM/compost, the importance of applying other types of organic materials, improved practices of green manuring, and importance of mulching is high. Low economic status of the farmers leading to the shortage of capital limits the use of the chemical fertilizers. Difficulty/cumbersome is creating a decline in the practice of in-situ manuring. Low economic status of the farmers resulting in a shortage of capital causes the hindrance to holding of livestock. Women are mainly responsible for soil fertility management. Soil testing facilities/mechanisms, followed by farmers' training on improved practices of soil fertility management and recommendation of adoptive crop/cropping patter by soil type were the major researchable constraints and farmers' needs. Thus, research and development implications lie in wider dissemination of available technologies to improve soil health, enhance yield potential and efficiency of local practices, encourage farmers in the use of locally available and organic derived materials, green resources and the practice of in-situ manuring through appropriate technical back-ups. It would be worthwhile to reform some institutional practices to encourage farmers in increasing their livestock holding capacity. Due consideration should be given to women farmers towards reducing their drudgery and constraints they face. Due consideration should be given to their invaluable knowledge on soil fertility management. Farmers' accessibility to soil testing facilities, farmers' training/demonstration and research on soil-specific adoptive cropping pattern need to be enhanced.
The inefficiency in the utilization of soil nutrients leads to declining soil fertility and crop productivity. Despite considerable knowledge on efficient soil fertility management technologies, technology adoption by farmers seems to be limited due to several factors like biophysical, socio-economic and institutional environments. This paper presents the farmers' practices and perceptions in soil fertility management in integrity across the hills of Nepal. The farmers' practices on the use of chemical fertilizers, farm yard manure (FYM) / compost. Organic derived materials (as, oil cakes, etc.), green manure, mulching and in-situ manuring and their perceptions on the underlying benefits, problems and reasons for not practicing are presented. Besides, other soil fertility enhancing techniques, livestock holding scenario, labour issues and research/farmers' needs are presented. The lack of awareness about recommended doses of chemical fertilizers, improved methods of preparing FYM/compost, the importance of applying other types of organic materials, improved practices of green manuring, and importance of mulching is high. Low economic status of the farmers leading to the shortage of capital limits the use of the chemical fertilizers. Difficulty/cumbersome is creating a decline in the practice of in-situ manuring. Low economic status of the farmers resulting in a shortage of capital causes the hindrance to holding of livestock. Women are mainly responsible for soil fertility management. Soil testing facilities/mechanisms, followed by farmers' training on improved practices of soil fertility management and recommendation of adoptive crop/cropping patter by soil type were the major researchable constraints and farmers' needs. Thus, research and development implications lie in wider dissemination of available technologies to improve soil health, enhance yield potential and efficiency of local practices, encourage farmers in the use of locally available and organic derived materials, green resources and the practice of in-situ manuring through appropriate technical back-ups. It would be worthwhile to reform some institutional practices to encourage farmers in increasing their livestock holding capacity. Due consideration should be given to women farmers towards reducing their drudgery and constraints they face. Due consideration should be given to their invaluable knowledge on soil fertility management. Farmers' accessibility to soil testing facilities, farmers' training/demonstration and research on soil-specific adoptive cropping pattern need to be enhanced.
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