A Study on Adoption of Soil Amendments and Micro Nutrients by Grape Growers in Karnataka, India
K. M. Chethan Kumar
Department of Agricultural Extension, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
M. T. Lakshminarayan
Department of Social Sciences and Languages, College of Agriculture, VC-Farm, Mandya, University of Agricultural Sciences, Mandya, Karnataka, India.
T. P. Bharath Kumar
University Communication Center, University of Agricultural Sciences, Mandya, Karnataka, India.
P. Arun Kumar
Directorate of Extension, University of Agricultural Sciences, Mandya, Karnataka, India.
C. V. Sanketh
*
Department of Agricultural Extension Education, College of Agriculture, VC-Farm, Mandya, University of Agricultural Sciences, Mandya, Karnataka, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Soil amendments and micronutrients are important for maintaining soil fertility and supporting sustainable grape production. However, the extent to which grape growers adopt recommended practices may vary, particularly with respect to the quantity, method, and timing of application. This study assessed the adoption of soil amendments and micronutrients among grape growers in Chikkaballapura district, Karnataka, and examined the relationship between growers’ profile characteristics and adoption. The study was conducted in Chikkaballapura and Shidlaghatta taluks during 2023–2024. Twelve villages were randomly selected, and 120 grape growers, comprising equal numbers of small and big farmers, were interviewed using a pre-tested schedule. Adoption was measured using responses on the recommended application of gypsum and micronutrient mixtures, and the data were analysed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and zero-order correlation. Among growers whose soils were affected by alkalinity, 56.12% partially adopted the recommended quantity of gypsum, whereas 43.88% completely adopted it. All growers who applied gypsum followed the recommended method and timing. For micronutrient mixtures, 61.67% partially adopted the recommended quantity and 38.33% completely adopted it; 55.83% applied the mixture as a foliar spray before flowering or at fruit set. The findings further showed that several socio-personal, psychological, communication, and extension-related characteristics were significantly associated with adoption. Overall, the results indicate that partial adoption was common, particularly for recommended input quantities, while method and timing were more consistently followed. Strengthening practical extension support on dose, diagnosis, and stage-specific application may help improve the completeness of adoption among grape growers.
Keywords: Adoption, grape growers, soil amendments, micronutrients, gypsum, soil fertility, foliar application, extension contact