Knowledge and adoption of herbicides application by the soybean growers

The present study was carried out in the Akola district of Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region to assess knowledge and adoption of herbicides application by the soybean growers. A total of 120 farmers were purposively selected from two tehsils known for maximum area covered under soybean cultivation. An exploratory research design was used to evaluate their responses. Results indicated that majority of soybean growers (75%) had a medium level of knowledge regarding herbicidal application practices. High awareness was observed in practices such as weather condition during spraying of herbicide (98%), soil conditions for application of herbicides (98%), precautionary measures to be followed during spraying (95%), quality of water to be used for spraying of herbicides (95%), span of gap required for intercultural operation after spraying of herbicides (93%), time of application of herbicides (90%), quantity of water required for spraying of herbicides (90%). Despite this, limited understanding was found for certain aspects like recommended dose of herbicide in soybean crop, calibration of spray pump time to time, type of nozzle used for spraying of herbicides. In terms of adoption, 72.5% of respondents were categorized under the medium adoption category. Practices such as weather condition during spraying of herbicide, span of gap required for intercultural operation after spraying of herbicides, quality of water to be used for spraying of herbicides showed high levels of adoption, while the calibration of spray pump time to time, precautionary measures to be followed during spraying, quantity of water required for spraying of herbicides had relatively lower adoption rates although adequate knowledge among farmers. So the awareness and practical application highlights the need for more targeted extension services. Strengthening farmer training, demonstration programmes, and hands-on experience can enhance the actual implementation of recommended practices, thereby improving herbicidal application practices or raising the production and reducing losses caused by weed infestation