Factors Influencing the Adoption of Soil Analysis for Fertilizer Use by Rice Farmer in Wang Noi District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to study 1) social and economic conditions of farmers, 2) cultivation and use of chemical fertilizers in rice production by farmers, 3) Knowledge and opinions on the use of fertilizers according to soil analysis values of farmers, 4) Factors influencing the adoption of soil analysis for fertilizer use by rice farmers and 5) problems and suggestions in the use of chemical fertilizers according to the soil analysis of farmers. The population of this research was rice farmers who received training on fertilizer application based on soil analysis in the area of Wang Noi District Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province. The total population was 250. The sample size was determined by Taro Yamane's formula with error of 0.05.  A sample of 155 people was obtained. A simple random sampling method was utilized. The instrument used for data collection was the interview form. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression were used for data analysis. The results showed that 1) Most of the farmers were male, with an average age of 47.90 years and finished secondary school education. The agricultural workers in households had an average of 2.03 people. Farmers had an average farming experience of 17.10 years. Their training experience in using fertilizer had an average of 1.36 times per year. The average income in the agricultural sector was 234,522.58 baht per year, the average cost of farming was 5,021.94 baht per rai. 2) Most of the farmers used RD 41 rice variety and no soil amendment before rice farming (71.61%). Most of the farmers (78.06%) used fertilizer at 25 kg per rai. 3) Farmers had a high level of knowledge in the use of fertilizers based on soil analysis in rice production and the level of opinions towards the use of fertilizers according to the soil analysis was positive overall. 4) Factors affecting the adoption of fertilizers based on soil analysis of farmers on issues the farmers’ training experience of using fertilizer, level of knowledge, and attitude on fertilizer use. 5) Farmers had problems using fertilizers based on soil analysis values on issue of lack of knowledge about soil analysis at the high level. Recommendations of government agencies should provide soil sampling services to farmers