Attitudes of Agricultural Extension Workers in Kirkuk Governorate towards Soil Mulching

Abstract

The study aims to identify the attitudes of agricultural extension workers in Kirkuk governorate towards soil mulching, As well as determining the correlation between the attitudes of agricultural extension workers in Kirkuk governorate towards soil mulching and each of the following variables: (age, gender, upbringing, academic achievement, duration of functional service, work location). The research included all workers in agricultural extension in the center of Kirkuk governorate, whose number is (343) persons, A random sample of (79) employees was selected of the research community. The data were collected using a questionnaire that consisted of two parts. The first part included a set of questions related to the distinctive characteristics of the respondents, while the second part included a scale consisting of (26) items, including positive and negative items, in front of which alternatives were placed (agree, neutral, disagree). It was given a numerical value (3, 2, 1) for the positive items and vice versa for the negative items. The data was analyzed using a set of statistical means using the SPSS program. The results showed that (83.54%) of the respondents working in agricultural extension had neutral to negative attitudes. The results also showed a significant correlation between the attitudes of agricultural extension workers towards using the soil mulching technique and each of (age, gender, upbringing, duration of functional service, and academic achievement), While there was no significant correlation with (work location). The researcher recommended the necessity of holding training courses for agricultural extension workers in Kirkuk governorate in the field of disseminating modern agricultural ideas and involving them in devising modern agricultural ideas.