Farmer’s adoption behaviour toward soil health practices: A case of sugarcane growers in Kolhapur district of Maharashtra

Abstract

The study assessed the knowledge and adoption of Soil Health Management (SHM) practices among sugarcane growers in Kolhapur district of Maharashtra. Using an ex-post facto research design, a sample of 150 farmers was randomly selected from Karveer, Hatkanangle and Shirol tehsils. The findings revealed substantial variation in adoption levels, with nearly half of the respondents (49.33%) falling under the low adoption category, 40.67 per cent exhibiting medium adoption and only 10.00 per cent shows a high level of adoption. Adoption of soil testing practices was particularly low, as most farmers did not regularly test soil, follow proper sampling procedures or use Soil Health Cards. Organic inputs such as farmyard manure and vermicomposting showed relatively better adoption, while green manuring, crop residue recycling and bio-fertilizer use remained limited. Irrigation and soil conservation practices recorded higher adoption. The study highlights the need for strengthened extension efforts to improve awareness and promote sustainable SHM practices.