PERCEPTION AND MANAGEMENT OF FARMYARD MANURE IN THE SEMIARID TROPICS OF INDIA

Farmyard manure (FYM) is an important organic resource for agricultural production in livestock-based farming systems in the semi-arid tropics of India. However, use of FYM has been affected by a shortfall in its supply, by increasing demand for plant nutrients, and by the increasing use of manufactured fertilizers. This study was undertaken to assess farmers' perceptions and management practices with FYM, particularly in relation to the use of manufactured fertilizers. Survey results indicated that farmers perceive FYM to be a complement to fertilizer rather than a substitute. Partly in response to the limited availability of both fertilizer and FYM, farmers' principal management strategy has been to concentrate inputs on irrigated areas and important rainfed, income-generating crops. Combined applications of FYM and fertilizer has become an increasingly common practice. However, the largest proportion of cultivated area still receives little or no soil amendments.