A Mixed Method Research to Analyze Fertilizer Sources and Application Methods in Nutrient Stewardship Perspective at Farm Level in Rice - Wheat Cropping Zone of Punjab, Pakistan

Author(s) : Asif Ali1,*, Babar Shahbaz2, Ijaz Ashraf3 and Muhammad Maqsood4

Digital object identifier:

https://doi.org/10.52587/JAF00301

Abstract:

The present study was carried out in 2020 to analyse the fertilizer management practices pertaining to its sources and application methods in the perspective of 4R approach, at farm level, in the rice-wheat cropping zone of Punjab-Pakistan. Multistage random sampling and cross sectional research design were used to conduct the study in Sheikhupura and Nankana Sahib districts of Punjab were randomly selected. Two tehsils namely Muridke and Shahkot from two districts and 5 rural UCs from each tehsil were randomly selected. A sample size of 400 rice farmers was drawn with 5% confidence interval and 95% confidence level. The data were collected through a well-structured interview schedule which was pretested for validity and reliability. The quantitative data were analyzed through Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis. It was found that the efficient usage of fertilizers was hindered by some socio-economic problems and concluded that there was highly significant association between fertilizer management practices and socio-economic variables. It was recommended that the provincial government should encourage local production of the seed and fertilizer drills at subsidized prices so that the farmers can afford to apply efficient fertilizer application methods. It was also recommended that extension wing of agriculture department should design tailor-made training modules about the economic returns of using efficient fertilizer sources and application methods such as placement, fertigation or drill after standardizing them according to local farm conditions.