Impact Assessment of ‘Bhoochetana’ – A Soil Test-Based Nutrient Management Scaling-Out Initiative in Karnataka

Abstract

A study was conducted during rabi 2014 to assess the impact of 'Bhoochetana', a soil test-based fertilizer management initiative in Karnataka, India. In selected six villages across Raichur, Deodurga, Manvi and Lingasugur blocks of Raichur district in Karnataka, India, soil samples and crop yield data were collected from farmers' fields having farmer practice (FP) of blanket application of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), as well as improved practice (IP) of soil test-based application of N, P and K along with deficient sulphur (S), boron (B) and zinc (Zn) as recommended under 'Bhoochetana'. After five years (since 2010) of 'Bhoochetana' in Raichur district, significant improvement in soil health is noted in IP adopted plots. In five out of six villages, soil organic carbon under IP increased to medium (0.50% to 0.71%) levels as compared with low (0.26% to 0.43%) levels observed under FP. Soil fertility under IP improved in terms of macro and micro nutrients like N, P, K, S, B and Zn. Increase in crop yield of all major crops like cotton (19%), groundnut (17%), pigeonpea (13%), sorghum (11%), and sunflower (11%) was observed under IP.