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This paper investigates the socio-environmental pressures affecting soil management practices in Nepal's Terai region.

May 16, 2026Journal of Rural Studies0 citationsOpen Access

To save the soil, save the farmers: Social and environmental pressures on agricultural soils

BHBenjamin HorneRoslin Institute BNBigyapti NepalNorth Carolina State University VEVera EoryScotland's Rural College

Key Points

This paper investigates the socio-environmental pressures affecting soil management practices in Nepal's Terai region.
Qualitative analysis of farmer and advisor perspectives on soil management
Assessment of traditional soil fertility practices
Review of local cultural beliefs related to soil care
Farmers and advisors have differing perceptions of soil management challenges, indicating policy gaps.
Traditional soil fertility practices are becoming less viable under current socio-environmental conditions.
Successful soil conservation solutions must be rooted in the local context to avoid failure.

Abstract

• Socio-environmental pressures constrain soil management practices in Nepal's Terai. • Previously common soil fertility practices are becoming increasingly unviable. • Farmers and advisors perceive key challenges differently, exposing policy gaps. • Cultural beliefs influence how farmers care for and manage soil. • Soil conservation solutions risk failure if not grounded in local realities.

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