2017 ASHS Annual Conference

Vegetable production is increasing rapidly as a cash crop in the Chitwan district of Nepal. Warm temperatures and access to water favor year-round production. Farmers are looking for improved soil fertility and pest management practices for assured production and profitability. A soil survey was conducted 1) to establish baseline data on soil fertility status and 2) to document farmer practices related to soil testing and knowledge of fertilizer and pesticide use. The survey was conducted on forty-six farmers’ fields in April 2017 in collaboration with US Aid Horticulture Innovation Lab and Center for Agriculture Research and Development (CARD)-Nepal. Soil pH and EC were measured with a combo meter and nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (N-P-K) were analyzed by colorimetric tests. Questionnaires were administered to farmers to gather information about previous soil testing and management practices. Results from the soil survey showed range of soil pH and EC to be 5.7-8.04 and 0.06-1.31 mS/cm, respectively. Status of N-P-K ranged from low to high. Survey responses showed that farmers have never tested their soil before and have not ever received training in fertilizer use. Results found animal manure, compost, urea, and diammonium phosphate (DAP) to be the most common fertilizer inputs. Most farmers reported they have had received training in use of pesticides due to previous CARD-Nepal workshops. These findings indicate an apparent lack of soil testing facilities near Chitwan, Nepal and suggest a need for farmer training on best management practices for soil fertility and fertilizers.