Improving local cultivation of soybean in Indonesia through farmers' experiments

The results of 86 replicated experiments on soybean (Glycine max) cultivati on practices in eight provinces - planned, conducted and analysed by farmer s - were examined to identify local differences in the effects of cultural practices on yield, and to explore the potential for farmers to improve the ir practices. Plant spacing consistently improved yield relative to broadca st seeding. The comparison between a moderate and a high dose of N, and bet ween local spraying practices and integrated pest management, also had a re latively consistent effect on yield. Conversely, the effects of straw mulch , of moderate doses of N compared to zero N, and of weeding, were highly lo cation-specific. A change in cultural practices influenced yield and econom ic benefits more strongly in low- than in high-yield situations. Modificati ons of current cultivation practices often resulted in a significant yield increase. This suggests that farmers need training in how to improve their cultural practices and that it should utilize locally conducted field exper iments. Training in experimental skills made farmers less dependent on exte rnal measures and advisers, and enabled them to become 'experts' who utiliz e science.