Impact of Soil Testing Programme on Behavioral Changes Among the Farmers of Kaushambi District (Uttar Pradesh)

Abstract

Soil health and fertility is the basis for sustainable profitability of the farmers. Using optimal doses of fertilizers and cropping pattern as per the scientific recommendation is the first step towards sustainable farming. Soil testing is a science based and time-tested tool for assessment of soil fertility status and soil ailments and for nutrient amendment recommendations. Soil testing, as a tool for judicious fertilizer use, works on the principle of profitability, meaning if all other factors of production are at optimum and none of them limiting, there is all probability to obtain more profitable response to applied nutrients based on soil testing than those applied on adhoc basis. The constraints reported by the farmers in adoption of recommendations included high cost, difficulty in adoption, low credibility of soil testing report, and long distance to laboratory. There is ample scope to improve the analyzing capacity as well as dissemination ability of soil testing laboratories. This, coupled with professional management through proper linkages, can bring radical changes in soil testing services in the state. It is suggested that the issued SHCs need to be periodically updated so that the farmers remain aware about the changing fertility status of their land. The awareness generation regarding spraying, fertigation and drilling method of fertilizers application is also needed among the farmers. The advantages of adoption of recommendations of soil testing may be disseminated among the farmers along with strengthening of extension service delivery in the state.