A STUDY ON THE AWARENESS OF USING ORGANIC FERTILIZERS IN VEGETABLE GARDENS OF WARD 6 OF MANJAPRA PANCHAYATH

A STUDY ON THE AWARENESS OF USING ORGANIC FERTILIZERS IN VEGETABLE GARDENS OF WARD 6 OF MANJAPRA PANCHAYATH 

Devika Babu

Abstract

Agriculture continues to play a crucial role in ensuring food security, environmental sustainability, and rural livelihood in India. However, the excessive use of chemical fertilizers has led to soil degradation, environmental pollution, and health concerns. In response to these challenges, organic fertilizers have emerged as a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative. The effectiveness of this transition, however, largely depends on the awareness, attitude, and practices of individuals at the household level.

The present study titled *“A Study on the Awareness of Using Organic Fertilizers in Vegetable Gardens of Ward 6 of Manjapra Panchayath in Ernakulam District”* aims to assess the level of awareness among residents regarding the knowledge, perception, and use of organic fertilizers in household vegetable cultivation. The study adopted a survey method, and data were collected from 31 respondents using a structured questionnaire distributed through Google Forms. Percentage analysis was used to interpret the responses.

The findings reveal that while a majority of respondents are aware of the benefits of organic fertilizers and perceive them as safer for health and better for long-term soil fertility, chemical fertilizers are still widely used due to convenience and faster results. Although willingness to shift toward organic methods is comparatively high, consistent practice remains moderate. The study highlights the need for practical training, community-based initiatives, and continuous support to bridge the gap between awareness and implementation. Promoting organic fertilizer usage at the household level can significantly contribute to sustainable agriculture, improved soil health, and safer food production.

Keywords

Organic fertilizers, Sustainable agriculture, Awareness study, Kitchen gardening, Soil health, Manjapra Panchayath

Introduction

Agriculture has always been the foundation of human survival and development. In a country like India, it not only ensures food security but also supports the livelihood of millions of people. Over the years, agricultural practices have changed significantly, especially with the introduction of chemical fertilizers during the Green Revolution. While these fertilizers helped increase crop production and achieve food self-sufficiency, their excessive and continuous use has raised serious concerns regarding soil degradation, environmental pollution, and human health risks. In recent times, there has been growing awareness about sustainable farming practices. Organic fertilizers, derived from plant and animal sources such as compost, farmyard manure, vermicompost, and biofertilizers, are increasingly being promoted as safer and eco-friendly alternatives. Unlike chemical fertilizers, organic inputs improve soil structure, enhance microbial activity, and release nutrients gradually, thereby supporting long-term soil fertility. As concerns about pesticide residues and chemical contamination in vegetables increase, many households are turning towards kitchen gardening using organic methods.

Kerala has witnessed renewed interest in homestead vegetable cultivation, particularly due to rising vegetable prices and food safety concerns. Government initiatives and local self-government institutions have encouraged organic farming practices at the grassroots level. However, the success of these initiatives largely depends on the awareness, perception, and willingness of individuals to adopt organic methods in their daily practices.

Ward 6 of Manjapra Panchayath represents a semi-rural community where vegetable gardening is commonly practiced at the household level. Understanding the level of awareness regarding organic fertilizers in such a setting is important to evaluate the effectiveness of existing awareness programmes and to identify gaps between knowledge and practice. Therefore, this study aims to examine the awareness, attitude, and usage of organic fertilizers among residents, with the broader goal of promoting sustainable and environmentally responsible agricultural practices.

Methodology

The study adopted a survey method to assess awareness levels. A structured questionnaire containing 21 close-ended questions was prepared and distributed using Google Forms. The questionnaire covered knowledge, attitude, and practice related to organic fertilizers.

Data were collected from 31 residents of Ward 6 of Manjapra Panchayath. Participation was voluntary, and responses were used strictly for academic purposes. The collected data were organized and analyzed using percentage analysis to interpret awareness levels.

Result

The findings of the study provide a detailed understanding of the awareness, perception, and practices related to the use of organic fertilizers among the 31 respondents of Ward 6 of Manjapra Panchayath. The analysis clearly shows that vegetable cultivation is a common practice in the locality, as 71% of the respondents reported that they grow vegetables regularly at home. This indicates that the topic of fertilizer usage is highly relevant to the study population.

Despite the increasing awareness about sustainable agriculture, the results show that chemical fertilizers continue to dominate household vegetable cultivation. About 58.1% of the respondents mainly use chemical fertilizers, while 19.4% use organic fertilizers and another 19.4% use both organic and chemical fertilizers. In total, 67.7% of respondents reported using chemical fertilizers either regularly or occasionally. This suggests that although people are aware of alternatives, chemical fertilizers are still preferred due to factors such as convenience, availability, and faster results.

When examining awareness levels, the study reveals encouraging findings. About 58.1% of respondents stated that they are somewhat familiar with the term “organic fertilizer,” and 32.3% reported being very familiar with it. Only a small percentage lacked familiarity. Furthermore, 74.2% of respondents believe that organic fertilizers are safer for health compared to chemical fertilizers. A stronger environmental awareness is reflected in the fact that nearly 84% believe organic fertilizers improve long-term soil health. Additionally, around 74% agreed that chemical fertilizers can negatively affect soil quality over time. These findings indicate a strong understanding of the environmental and health implications of fertilizer use.

The study also explored attitudes toward replacing chemical fertilizers with organic alternatives. About 36% of respondents believe that organic fertilizers can fully replace chemical fertilizers, while 40% believe they can partially replace them. However, a noticeable percentage remains cautious, reflecting uncertainty about complete substitution. Regarding future adoption, 61.3% of respondents expressed willingness to shift completely to organic fertilizers, while 35.5% were unsure. This shows positive intention but also indicates the need for further confidence-building measures.

Practical readiness was another important aspect of the study. Approximately 72% of respondents expressed willingness to prepare organic fertilizers at home if proper guidance is provided. However, only about 45% showed clear interest in attending awareness programmes, and 51% believed that awareness alone is not sufficient to increase usage. This suggests that practical demonstrations, technical support, and continuous follow-up may be more effective than awareness campaigns alone. Importantly, more than 50% of respondents consider the use of organic fertilizers both a personal and social responsibility, reflecting a strong ethical and environmental concern within the community.

Overall, the results indicate that while awareness and positive attitudes toward organic fertilizers are relatively high, regular and consistent usage remains moderate. Bridging the gap between knowledge and practice through structured guidance and community-based support could significantly enhance the adoption of organic fertilizers in the study area.

Conclusion

The study concludes that residents of Ward 6 of Manjapra Panchayath possess good awareness about organic fertilizers and their benefits. Most respondents recognize the health and environmental advantages of organic inputs. However, chemical fertilizers are still widely used due to convenience and quicker results.

Although willingness to shift toward organic methods is strong, practical challenges such as lack of time, technical knowledge, and guidance limit full adoption. Therefore, awareness programmes, practical demonstrations, and community-based support systems are essential to promote sustainable vegetable cultivation. Strengthening organic fertilizer usage at the household level can improve soil health, ensure safer food production, and contribute to long-term environmental sustainability.

Reference

• FAO. (2017). Organic Agriculture and Sustainable Development. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

• Government of Kerala. (2022). Organic Farming Policy of Kerala. Department of Agriculture Development and Farmers’ Welfare.

• ICAR. (2018). Handbook of Organic Farming. Indian Council of Agricultural Research.

• Lampkin, N. (1994). Organic Farming. Farming Press Books.

• Yadav, A. K. (2013). Organic Farming: Principles and Practices. Agrobios Publications.

DEFORESTATION, SOIL EROSION AND CLIMATE CHANGE; A DEEP DIVE INTO OUR PLANET'S INTERCONNECTED CRISIS

DEFORESTATION, SOIL EROSION AND CLIMATE CHANGE; A DEEP DIVE INTO OUR PLANET'S INTERCONNECTED CRISIS 

Deforestation, soil erosion, and climate change are three of the most pressing environmental issues of our time. Each of these phenomena poses severe risks to the health of ecosystems, human societies, and the planet as a whole. These challenges are not isolated, but rather interrelated in ways that exacerbate their impacts on the environment and biodiversity. This blog aims to explore these interconnected issues, highlight their causes and consequences, and discuss potential solutions, with references to support key points.

Deforestation – The Root of Many Environmental Issues

The Scale and Scope of Deforestation

Deforestation is defined as the clearing or thinning of forests by humans for various purposes such as agriculture, urban development, and logging. Over the last century, the global rate of deforestation has accelerated at an alarming pace. Between 1990 and 2020, the world lost an estimated 178 million hectares of forest, a trend driven primarily by the need for agricultural land, timber, and urban expansion (FAO, 2020).

Forests are vital to sustaining biodiversity, regulating climate, and supporting human livelihoods. They act as carbon sinks, absorbing significant amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. In the Amazon Rainforest alone, approximately 123 billion tons of carbon are stored (Lovejoy & Nobre, 2018). However, as forests are cleared, their capacity to sequester carbon is diminished, releasing this stored carbon back into the atmosphere, thereby contributing to global warming.

The Causes of Deforestation

• Agriculture: The expansion of cropland and pastures is the leading cause of deforestation, accounting   for about 80% of forest loss globally (Geist & Lambin, 2002).

• Logging: Both legal and illegal logging for timber and wood products contribute significantly to forest degradation.

• Infrastructure Development: Urbanization, road construction, and large-scale infrastructure projects also lead to forest clearance.

• Mining: Extractive industries further contribute to the deforestation problem, particularly in tropical regions such as the Amazon and Central Africa.

Consequences of Deforestation

• Loss of Biodiversity: Forests are home to over 80% of the terrestrial species of animals, plants, and fungi. The destruction of these habitats leads to species extinction, diminishing the planet’s biodiversity (WWF, 2019).

• Disruption of Indigenous Communities: Many indigenous peoples rely on forests for their livelihood and cultural practices. Deforestation threatens their homes, traditions, and survival.

• Increased Carbon Emissions: Forests play a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide. Their destruction releases significant amounts of CO2, contributing to global warming.

Soil Erosion – The Quiet Crisis

What is Soil Erosion?

Soil erosion refers to the displacement of the upper layer of soil, primarily caused by wind, water, and human activities such as deforestation and poor agricultural practices. This degradation process has far-reaching effects on agricultural productivity, water quality, and the environment as a whole. Soil erosion has been accelerating globally due to land mismanagement, particularly in developing countries where agriculture is a primary source of income.

The Causes of Soil Erosion

• Deforestation: The removal of trees disrupts the soil structure, leaving it vulnerable to wind and rain. Trees and their roots anchor the soil, and when they are removed, the  soil is exposed to erosion (Lal, 2003).

• Unsustainable Agriculture: Poor farming techniques, such as overgrazing, monoculture, and improper irrigation, increase the risk of soil erosion.

• Urbanization: As cities expand, land is cleared, compacted, and often left bare, increasing soil vulnerability to erosion.

The impact of Soil Erosion

• Loss of Fertile Land: Erosion strips away the nutrient-rich topsoil necessary for plant growth. This reduces agricultural productivity, leading to lower crop yields and economic loss for farmers.

• Water Pollution: Eroded soil often ends up in rivers and lakes, carrying with it agricultural chemicals, leading to water pollution and harm to aquatic life (Pimentel et al., 1995).

• Increased Flooding: Without vegetation to slow water runoff, soil erosion can increase the risk of floods, which in turn contribute to further erosion.

Solutions to Combat Soil Erosion

• Reforestation: Planting trees helps restore soil structure and prevent erosion by stabilizing the land.

• Sustainable Agriculture: Practices like crop rotation, agroforestry, and contour farming help maintain soil integrity.

• Terracing: This ancient technique reduces water runoff and keeps soil in place on hilly landscapes.

Climate Change – The Global Challenge

The Connection Between Deforestation, Soil Erosion, and Climate Change

Climate change, driven by the increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere, is one of the greatest environmental challenges of the 21st century. Deforestation is a major contributor to this problem because forests play a crucial role in regulating the Earth’s climate. When forests are destroyed, they release stored carbon into the atmosphere, accelerating global warming (Houghton, 2005).

Moreover, soil erosion, exacerbated by deforestation and unsustainable agricultural practices, also contributes to climate change. Degraded soils lose their capacity to act as carbon sinks, reducing their ability to sequester CO2 from the atmosphere (Lal, 2004).

Impacts of Climate Change

• Rising Temperatures: Global temperatures have increased by approximately 1.2°C above pre-industrial levels, with severe consequences for ecosystems and human health (IPCC, 2021).

• Extreme Weather Events: Climate change has led to more frequent and severe droughts, floods, and storms, which further exacerbate soil erosion and land degradation.

• Rising Sea Levels: Melting polar ice caps and glaciers, driven by warming temperatures, contribute to rising sea levels, threatening coastal communities and ecosystems.

Mitigating the Crisis – Global and Local Solutions

Reforestation and Afforestation

Reforestation, or the process of planting trees in deforested areas, can play a crucial role in mitigating climate change. Afforestation, planting trees in areas where there were no previous forests, also contributes to carbon sequestration and helps prevent soil erosion (Chazdon, 2008). Initiatives like the UN’s “Billion Tree Campaign” encourage global reforestation efforts to restore ecosystems.

Sustainable Land Management

Sustainable land management practices, such as conservation tillage, agroforestry, and the restoration of degraded lands, can help mitigate the effects of soil erosion and climate change. These practices aim to maintain the health of the soil and ecosystem while ensuring long-term agricultural productivity (FAO, 2015).

Global Climate Agreements

International climate agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, aim to limit global temperature rise to below 2°C and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These frameworks provide a roadmap for countries to adopt policies that protect forests, manage land sustainably, and transition to renewable energy (UNFCCC, 2015).

Conclusion

Deforestation, soil erosion, and climate change are intricately connected environmental issues that threaten ecosystems and human livelihoods. Each problem intensifies the others, creating a feedback loop of environmental degradation. However, through global cooperation, sustainable practices, and proactive conservation efforts, it is possible to mitigate these threats and create a more sustainable future.

References

• FAO. (2020). Global Forest Resources Assessment. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

• Geist, H. J., & Lambin, E. F. (2002). Proximate Causes and Underlying Driving Forces of Tropical Deforestation. Bioscience, 52(2), 143-150.

• Houghton, R. A. (2005). Tropical deforestation as a source of greenhouse gas emissions. In Tropical deforestation and climate change (pp. 13-22).

• IPCC. (2021). Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

• Lal, R. (2003). Soil erosion and the global carbon budget. Environment International, 29(4), 437-450.

• Lal, R. (2004). Soil carbon sequestration impacts on global climate change and food security. Science, 304(5677), 1623-1627.

• Lovejoy, T. E., & Nobre, C. (2018). Amazon tipping point: Last chance for action. Science Advances, 4(2), eaat2340.

• Pimentel, D., Harvey, C., Resosudarmo, P., Sinclair, K., Kurz, D., McNair, M., … & Blair, R. (1995). Environmental and economic costs of soil erosion and conservation benefits. Science, 267(5201), 1117-1123.

• WWF. (2019). The State of the World’s Forests. World Wide Fund for Nature.

• UNFCCC. (2015). The Paris Agreement. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.