Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Dryland Agricultural Research Institute (DARI), Agriculture Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Maragheh, Iran
2 Dryland Agricultural Research Institute, Agriculture Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Maragheh, Iran
Abstract
Introduction: Conservation agriculture represents a sustainable strategy for the long-term preservation of natural resources through effective crop and soil management practices. Despite its numerous advantages, the global adoption of conservation agriculture remains relatively limited when compared to conventional agricultural systems. In Iran, efforts to promote conservation agriculture over several decades have not resulted in widespread adoption among farmers. This can be attributed to a variety of factors, including technical challenges (such as access to specialized machinery and equipment), social barriers (including farmer knowledge and awareness of conservation agriculture), and economic obstacles (such as the availability of financial support policies). Considering the importance of conservation agriculture in sustainable crop production especially in dryland condition, this research aimed to identify the challenges of applying conservation agriculture in dryland crop production systems from the perspective of farmers.
Materials and Methods: The present study was performed in east Azerbaijan province of Iran during 2022-2023. The target population was the farmers engaged in rainfed crops in dryland condition of Maragheh, Hashtrood, Mianeh, Charuymaq and Ahar counties. The data used in this study was obtained through face-to-face interviews with 53 farmers who were available for interview identified by local Jihad agriculture experts. The questionnaire validity was evaluated by the faculty members and experts in dryland agriculture. Data analysis was done by using Excel 2016 software. Also, correlation analysis between variables was done by Origin Pro software version 22.
Research findings: Results showed that because the higher share of cereals (wheat and barley) in cropping pattern, there is no proper crop rotation in the study area. A large part of crop residue especially in cereals, is harvesting as forage because of feed higher prices in the area. The most of farmers prefer to use conventional tillage system for seedbed preparation. Lack of suitable machinery, lack of awareness and knowledge of farmers toward conservation agriculture, and yield reduction in the first years of adoption are the main barriers of rapid expansion of conservation agriculture. Facilitating farmers’ access to conservation agriculture machinery by providing the financial facilities; participatory research involving farmers, researchers and extension agents and creating agricultural extension model sites, and support policies such as economic incentives or subsidies are the main strategies for the adoption of conservation agriculture.
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