Farmers’ Knowledge of Soil Testing: A Multi-Context Analysis Across Different Irrigation Systems

Abstract

The present study was carried out during 2022-23 in the districts of Mandya, Chikkaballapura, and Tumakuru in Karnataka to assess farmers’ knowledge of soil testing across different farming situations. Additionally, the study aimed to examine the relationship between farmers’ profile characteristics and their knowledge of soil testing, as well as the extent to which these characteristics contribute to that knowledge. A total of sixty soil-tested farmers from each district were personally interviewed using a pre-tested interview schedule. The results showed that a large majority of farmers (76.10%) possessed medium to high knowledge about soil testing. Correlation analysis indicated that, a majority of profile characteristics showed significant associations with knowledge levels across all irrigation types. Furthermore, all 19 profile characteristics collectively accounted for 68.40%, 71.10%, and 66.90% of the variation in knowledge levels under assured, protected, and rainfed conditions, respectively. These findings suggest the need for targeted extension programs to enhance soil testing awareness, especially in rainfed regions.