During the one-year duration of “Soil Testing and Crop Technician” trade a candidate is trained on professional skill, professional knowledge and Employability skillrelated to job role. In addition to this a candidate is entrusted to undertake project work and extracurricular activities to build up confidence. The broad components covered under Professional Skill subject are as below:
This course primarily deals with soil testing. The trainee learns about safety and environment, Elementary first aid and firefighting. He gets the idea of trade tools, apparatus&their standardization, calibration and identifies different types of Laboratory equipments. Preparation of standard solution and chemical reagents for soil testing. The trainee will practice different soil testing methods to determine various properties viz. soil texture, pH value, moisture content, Electric conductivity, hydraulic conductivity, organic carbon, Cation exchange capacity etc. Training will be provided for the estimation of macro and micronutrients and also elements of environmental concern in soil samples. Trainee will also be able to examine the quality of irrigation water, generate soil test report and recommend fertilizer, dosage and their method of application based on soil properties. The trainee learns to use modern technology (GPS/GIS) for collection of data and input recommendations.
The trainee practices on different tillage, ploughing and puddling implements. Measurement of various atmospheric elements viz, rainfall, barometric pressure, wind speed, sunshine duration, solar radiation and relative humidity etc. Practice different farm machinery viz. seed drill, tractor, power weeder, power tiller, threshers and paddy transplanter etc. Practice field preparation, calculate seed & fertilizer requirements, growing rabi and kharif crops, control measures for crop diseases and insects, different methods of irrigation and integrated pests management. Seed testing, processing and packaging will also be practiced by the trainee. The trainee practices organic farming including use of vermin compost, drip irrigation etc. Practice on water harvesting techniques and use of modern techniques for soil and moisture conservation and preservation of water.