Perception of farmers about soil health

Abstract

This study was conducted in Mahesana District of Gujarat State. Out of nine talukas of the district, three talukas viz., Unjha, Kadi and Bhecharaji were selected purposively on the basis of soil fertility indices (pH and EC) for the study. Five villages were randomly selected from each selected taluka. The purpose of the study was to know the perception of farmers about soil health. The study revealed that maximum number of farmers were middle to old aged, literate, had medium farming experience, small to medium land holding, small herd size, annual income up to 2 lakh, tube well as their major source of irrigation, ground water level between 400-600 feet and had cropping intensity ranging between 101-200 per cent. The indicators for good soil health perceived by a great majority of the farmers were: good and fast crop growth, more crop yield, dark brown soil colour and good soil tilth. While, water is not absorbed in the soil, salt come up to soil surface and frequent irrigation is needed were bad soil health indicators perceived by a great majority of the farmers. The purposes perceived important by the farmers for maintaining good soil health were; sustaining crop productivity, increasing soil water holding capacity, reducing irrigation cost and sustaining crop against water shortage. Among nine characteristics under study, farming experience, land holding and annual income had positive and significant correlation while, cropping intensity had negative and significant correlation with the perception of farmers about soil health.