Farmers' approaches to soil-fertility management : a case study from the hills of Nepal | |
| Author | Regmi, Basu Dev |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no. AS-01-07 |
| Subject(s) | Soil fertility--Nepal Soil management--Nepal |
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science, School of Environment, Resources and Development |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Thesis ; no. AS-01-07 |
| Abstract | Soil-fertility is a critical issue to the farmers, particularly where population pressure is high and agriculture is the main source of income. Farmers' indigenous knowledge on soilfertility management is the most important factor for sustainable agriculture. The basic question of the study is "how and what resources are being used by the local people to sustain the soil-fertility"? The study was carried out in Lohorne Watershed in the Hills, Dailekh District of Nepal. The study attempts to assess the farmers' soil-fertility management strategies and practices. The survey research was used to identify the farmers' practices and perceptions on soil-fertility management and the basic household information. Soil samples were collected for the analysis of plant-nutrient levels in the farmlands representing Khet lands irrigated terraces and Bari lands rainfed terraces systems. Also farmers' assessments of soil-fertility status and indigenous soil-fertility management practices were identified. Farmers and scientific approach to assess the soilfertility levels in the soil were compared. The main locally adopted soil-fertility management practices are the application of farmyard manure (FYM) and compost, in-situ manuring, green manuring, the use of chemical fertilizers, terracing, agroforestry practices, terrace riser slicing, crop rotations, residue management, flood-water management and contour farming. Farmers perceived FYM application as the most useful practice for soil-fertility maintenance. Farmers also think that soil-fertility is the most burning issue in the area. Soil analysis shows that except for potassium, all other analyzed plant nutrients are at low levels in soil. Crop yields found to be declining over time. Soil-fertility management over was shifting from organic fertilizers to mineral fertilizers. It was found that the farmers' and the scientists' soilfertility assessment for both Khet and Bari lands have a positive correlation. This shows a significant association between the two approaches of soil-fertility assessment. Critical issues for soil-fertility management in the area, as identified by the local people, are the general degradation of the forest resources, declining livestock numbers, insufficient water for irrigation, the steepness of the land, population growth, and weak government-support systems. It was found that the existing practices for soil-fertility management are not enough to maintain an adequate nutrient balance in the soils. Therefore there is a need to promote integrated plant nutrients management systems (IPNMS). There is also a need to promote soil-conservation measures, particularly in the upland areas. Illegal encroachment into the common forest land should be taken serious to reduce the pressure on the forests. The Government and donors should explore the possibilities of alternative land-sue options and income-generating options so as to reduce the overall pressure on the agricultural land in the area. |
| Year | 2001 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Thesis ; no. AS-01-07 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Department of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources (Former title: Department of Food Agriculture, and BioResources (DFAB)) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Agricultural and Aquatic Systems(AS) |
| Chairperson(s) | Zoebisch, Michael A.; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Webe, Karl E. ;Ranamukhaarachchi, S. L.; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | DANIDA ; |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2001 |