Compaction and good practices in eastern Turkey, Part II

摘要

A preliminary investigation into technological, socio-economic and cultural impediments to the adoption of good agronomic and machinery practices in combating compaction on the Narli Plain irrigation development, eastern Turkey. While many of the technical aspects of soil compaction are well known and can often be overcome if sufficient finances are available, the human aspects are often more difficult to actualise. This paper integrates a cognisance of both the technical and the socio-economic aspects, that could be used planning a strategy for the reduction of compaction at Narli. The Narli plain irrigation development has an area of 26500 ha on clayey soils. The relative contribution of compacting forces has been quantified as well as the spatial distribution of compaction at Narli and this knowledge base is developed in this paper. This paper identifies evidence for good and poor practices, the farming activities within the cropping calendar that lead to soil compaction and their sensitivity to seasonal variations in climate. Results of a field trial involving the inclusion of vetch (Vicia sativa) to reduce compaction and ameliorate soil conditions are presented and significant benefits observed up to a yield increase of 44%. Preliminary evaluation of why good machinery and cultural practices are not adopted, is suggested based on informal interviews of key informants during field visits 1997 to 2002. The 'key actors' in Extension within the Province are described. Questionnaires will be used on a future visit to Kahramanmaras in 2003, at farmer level and in all parts of the Extension process. Farmer interviews will be based on the known spatial distribution of compaction at Narli, to see if there are any technical differences or different perceptions of farmer problems by geographical area that could influence successful Extension and modernisation.