Efficacy of Soil Testing Services in Punjab – Adoption Level, Constraints and Impact

This study has examined the level of adoption and constraints in application of recommended doses of fertilizers, based on soil test reports, by the farmers in Punjab. It has also analysed the impact of adoption of recommended doses of fertilizers on crop productivity and income of farmers. The study is based on the primary data collected for the year 2012–13 from a sample of 120 soil test farmers and 60 control farmers growing paddy and wheat crops. The analysis has revealed that the major source of information about soil testing was the State Agricultural University (SAU) and soil testing was undertaken due to motivation from village demonstrations, training programmes and exposure visits. The important changes observed after application of recommended doses of fertilizers were: (i) increase in crop yield, and (ii) less incidence of pest and diseases for both paddy and wheat crops. Thus, there was a decline in fertilizer consumption along with increase in yield on soil test farms due to balanced use of macro and micro nutrients, especially application of gypsum and green manuring of fields. The study has recommended organization of more trainings, exposure visits, adoption and implementation of soil health card results by the farmers on their fields.