000			05346nam a22002057a 4500
999			_c291409 _d291409
082			_a630.33 _bJOY/EC PG
100			_aJoyal Mathew
245			_aEconomic dimension of soil nutrient management practices in rice farming- a study in kole lands
260			_aVellanikkara _bDepartment of Agricultural Economics, College of Agriculture _c2024
300			_a100,xp.
502			_aMSc
520	3		_aThere are reports of low organic carbon, high acidity, and nutrient imbalances in most of the agriculturally important regions of India, including Kerala. The study, based on farmer-level practices on soil health management, titled ‘Economic dimensions of soil nutrient management practices in rice farming-a study in Kole lands’ was done with the specific objectives of analyzing the major trends and patterns of investments in soil fertility management in rice farming in Kerala; understanding the soil nutrient management practices in relation to soil test data by the rice farmers in Kole lands and factors influencing their decision-making; and estimating the economic efficiency of soil nutrient application in rice production. The study was based on both primary and secondary data. The primary data was sourced from the 100 farmer respondents based on soil test data availability and was selected following the Multi- Stage Random Sampling method. The major tools for data analysis were Descriptive statistics, Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR), Logit model and Stochastic Frontier Analysis. The secondary data analysis based on the Report of Cost of Cultivation of Important Crops revealed on-par levels of expenditures on chemical fertilizers and farmyard manure in major rice growing districts, ranging between ₹6,935/ha and ₹7,897/ha, with corresponding share to cost A1 ranging between 11.22 to 13.49 per cent. However, the investment in these inputs increased at a high CAGR of 9.18 per cent in Thrissur, and between seasons, it was highest in the Virippu season (10.2 per cent). The micro-level study, based on a sample survey, highlighted the fundamental constraints in soil sample collection by the farmers, delay in testing, and later communication of the results to the farmer. The farmers often failed to follow the prescriptions based on soil testing. The average pH value in the study area fluctuated between 3.4 and 5.9. The application of lime was less than 37 per cent, and the schedule of application was not in accordance with the recommendation. The organic manure application was only 10 per cent of the required levels. On the contrary, the application of major nutrients N, P2O5, and K2O substantially exceeded soil test-based recommendations. Soil test results indicated sufficient levels of S, Mn, and Fe. However, deficiencies were reported in secondary nutrients such as Ca and Mg and for micronutrients such as Zn, Cu, and B. The schedule of application was unscientific, compared to the Package of Practice recommendations of Kerala Agricultural University. All the nutrients were applied as three split doses, without adhering to the proportionate split up. Though the schedule was in accordance with the case of N, the proportion was different. The deviations from recommended levels, schedules and dependence on complexes have led to the investment levels of chemical fertilizers at an average level of ₹12,906/ha, i.e. 14.4 per cent of Cost A1 (₹89,574/ha). Factors like farmer`s age, education level, maximum education level of family members and household income were proved to be influencing the decision on investment level, the former two variables impacting positively and the latter two on the reverse. These high levels of fertilizer application exceeding recommendations have not resulted in correspondingly higher yields, implicating the irrationality of such levels of application. Presumably, correction of soil acidity through the application of lime was found to have a positive impact on the output along with variables like seed rate and machine labour. Though the farmers exhibited better knowledge of major nutrients and their sources, the knowledge level was low regarding micronutrients and soil test parameters. The results underline the need for ensuring the soil test-based management protocols in Kole lands and the failure of the existing system. The application of modern technologies (sensors/remote sensing /AI) in monitoring soil quality on a real-time basis and communicating advisories to the farmers through SMS on a regional basis, is a viable option in this regard. Soil pH management is a vital and fundamental aspect of soil health management, and to overcome the constraints associated with a second dose of liming, a suitable technological solution is to be developed. Extensive targeted training programs for farmers and educated family members are proposed for informed decision-making in soil health management. Furthermore, promoting collective action through Padashekara Samitis and markets for quality inputs will be crucial in fostering the widespread adoption of sustainable practices.
650			_a Agricultural Economics
650			_aSoil nutrient
650			_aRice farming
650			_aKole lands
700			_aIndira Devi, P(Guide)
856			_uhttps://krishikosh.egranth.ac.in/handle/1/5810220147
942			_2ddc _cTH