Effectiveness of Frontline Demonstrations on Soil Test-Based Nutrient Management for Enhancing Cotton Yield in Hingoli District, Maharashtra, India

Cotton is a vital cash crop in India, contributing significantly to the agricultural economy. However, its productivity is often limited by the non-adoption of recommended fertilizer doses and application schedules. To address this issue, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Hingoli, conducted frontline demonstrations (FLDs) on soil test-based nutrient management in the Hingoli district of Maharashtra. These demonstrations were carried out during the Kharif seasons of 2009–2015 at selected farmers' fields in villages such as Dandegaon, Kumbharwadi, Digras, Sukalivir, Yedsi, and Bhategaon of Kalamnuri Taluka. The FLD plots employed a balanced nutrient management approach based on soil test results, incorporating major and micronutrients. Farmers applied the recommended fertilizer dose of 120:65:65 NPK kg/ha along with bio-fertilizer viz., Azotobacter and PSB @ 25 g/kg of seed. This resulted in a significantly higher average seed cotton yield of 15.76 q/ha compared to 12.67 q/ha under traditional practices (60:32:16 NPK kg/ha). The FLD plots recorded a 25.28% yield increase over farmers' practices. Despite this improvement, a mean technological gap of 7.24 q/ha, an extension gap of 3.09 q/ha, and a technology index of 31.46% were observed. Economic analysis revealed that FLD plots achieved an average gross return of ?61,099/ha, net return of ?33,853.67/ha and a benefit-cost ratio of 2.21, outperforming local practices (?48,734.33/ha, ?21,523.50/ha and 1.77, respectively). The study highlights the benefits of adopting improved nutrient management practices, even under erratic climatic conditions. The extension activities conducted by KVK played a crucial role in enhancing farmers' understanding and adoption of these technologies. Overall, the FLDs had a positive impact on farmers’ attitudes and adoption behaviours, demonstrating the effectiveness of soil test-based nutrient management in improving cotton productivity and profitability.