Soil management practices in commercial vegetable farming in changing socioeconomic context in Makawanpur, Nepal

Environmental Challenges

Sushmita Dahal¹  Bikram Manandhar¹ 

[1] Tribhuvan University, Insitute of Forestry, Hetauda Campus, Hetauda, Nepal;

关键词: Vegetable;    Soil fertility;    Fertilizer;    Farm yard manure;    Pesticides;    Gender;   

DOI  :  

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

With the rapid urbanization and population growth, the demand for vegetables is increasing day by day resulting in increased cultivation area and production at the expenses of soil fertility. This study aims to assess soil management practices adopted by commercial vegetable farmers in changing socioeconomic contexts in Bhundrung village, Makawanpur. Participatory rural appraisal tools; Household Questionnaire survey, Focus group discussion, Key informant interview and expert consultation were used for data collection. Most farmers use farmyard manure (FYM) and chemical fertilizer (urea, potash and di-ammonium phosphate) for maintaining soil fertility. Application of farmyard manure is decreasing, due to large farm size but less number of livestock. It has resulted in the scenario of injudicious supply of chemical fertilizers with hope of increment in production. Lack of knowledge on dose, handling and disposal of fertilizer and pesticides threatened degradation of soil and water quality in and outside the farm. In the changing socioeconomic context, farmers practice joint decision making in laborious activities like nursery bed preparation, field preparation, manure mixing, intercultural operation whereas in technology and direct money related activities were decided by male members. This study recommends there is a need for effective extension services for sustainable soil fertility management, finance and market access for economic benefits and gender friendly environment and technology for commercial vegetable farming.

【 授权许可】

Unknown