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This study was carried out to assess knowledge and use of rice agrochemicals and also the knowledge and use of safety devices and methods attached to the proper application of the chemicals. The study was carried out among the rice farmers of Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area (LGA) of Ogun State, Nigeria. Multi-stage random sampling technique was used to select the respondents for this study. The list of rice farmers in the study area who were registered with the Agricultural Development Zonal office was procured and the functioning ones among them determined by preliminary field tour. One hundred and twenty seven functioning farmers were finally randomly selected and data procured from them through the administration of validated structured interview schedule. About two-thirds of the farmers were not more than 50 years old, 87% married while 66% were literate. About 86% were full-time small-scale rice farmers (69% growing less than 2.6ha) while only 48.8% of these had fortnightly contact with agricultural extension agents. Most of the farmers (72.4%) were land secure while about half relied solely on hired labour. The knowledge level of agrochemicals and their level of use were found to be moderately high. About 41% of them depended on extension agents as major source of information about rice agro-chemicals. Other major sources were salesmen of agrochemicals, rice merchants, radio and television. However, the knowledge level and actual use of safety devices and methods were low. Age ([x.sup.2] = .266, p=.018) and educational level ([x.sup.2] = 72.003, p=0.051) were found to be significantly related to the knowledge of safety devices and methods used in the application of rice agrochemicals. The literacy level of farmers need to be raised while extension agents need to intensify their visit and campaign on the use of rice agrochemicals, particularly the safety devices and methods attached to the application of the chemicals. Key words: Agrochemicals, rice farmer, knowledge, safety, INTRODUCTION Rice is one of the oldest foods known to man, and it is taken as part of the three daily meals in certain areas of the world [1]. About [...]

Strategies for pesticide use reduction have suffered from limited adoption. The impact of such strategies will be greater if they appeal to farmers with typical demographics and attitudes. A participatory, on-farm study was conducted to assess the potential of Pesticide Free Production[TM] (PFP) to be widely implemented on mainstream farms in Manitoba. Canada. PFP is a flexible, simple framework intended to appeal broadly to farmers who may not have adopted other pesticide use reduction initiatives. It may also provide a marketable food product label. This novel crop production system prohibits the use of in-crop pesticides and seed treatments during one crop year, as well as prior use of residual pesticides. Applications of nonresidual pesticides (such as glyphosate) are permitted prior to crop emergence. Synthetic fertilizer use is permitted at any time. The objectives of this study were: (1) to determine if the demographic and attitudinal characteristics of farms and farmers participating in a PFP pilot project varied depending on the level of PFP implementation; and (2) to compare the characteristics of farms and farmers participating in the pilot project with standards representing average farms and farmers in Manitoba. A total of 71 farmers, representing 120 fields and 11 crops, participated in the study. Fields and farmers were categorized into three groups, based on whether or not fields: (1) achieved PFP certification status and (2) were in transition to organic production. There were few demographic differences among groups. Demographic characteristics of participating farmers were typical for Manitoba, with the exception that participating farmers who were not in transition to organic production had higher levels of education than a random sample of Manitoba farmers. Altitudinal orientation (adherence to a conventional versus an alternative agricultural paradigm) of participants who were not in transition to organic production was similar to that of a random sample of Manitoba farmers. Fields and farms on which PFP was implemented were relatively large in the context of Manitoba averages. Participants indicated high satisfaction with certifiable PFP crops and high levels of interest in implementing future PFP. Pesticide flee production demonstrates significant potential for broad adoption in this region. Key words: Pesticide Free Production. PFP, integrated pest management, IPM, participatory research, pesticide use reduction, low-input agriculture, Manitoba, Alternative-Conventional Agriculture Paradigm scale, ACAP scale, flax, spring wheat, barley, oats

A 10-year study was conducted in North Carolina to evaluate the profitability of four crop rotations and levels of chemical inputs. The crop rotations are continuous corn or sorghum, corn/wheat-soybean and corn/wheat-soybean/corn/clover hay. These were managed with levels of chemical inputs based on current management practices, low-input management and medium-input management. The results of the study are discussed.

Agricultural Research Service and University of Missouri scientists are helping farmers prove the benefits of prescription farming--the newest trend in managing agricultural inputs. Prescription farming means applying inputs such as [...]

Lagoons are commonly used to store wastewater from confined-feeding operations for dairy and swine. The wastewater is generally applied to land as fertilizer. But if the waste is not applied [...]

Water that rushes down irrigation furrows on western farmlands takes little if any topsoil with it if an erosion-fighting white powder is mixed in. An ounce of the synthetic compound [...]