The results of 86 replicated experiments on soybean (Glycine max) cultivation practices in eight provinces – planned, conducted and analysed by farmers – were examined to identify local differences in the effects of cultural practices on yield, and to explore the potential for farmers to improve their practices. Plant spacing consistently improved yield relative to broadcast seeding. The comparison between a moderate and a high dose of N, and between local spraying practices and integrated pest management, also had a relatively consistent effect on yield. Conversely, the effects of straw mulch, of moderate doses of N compared to zero N, and of weeding, were highly location-specific. A change in cultural practices influenced yield and economic benefits more strongly in low- than in high-yield situations. Modifications 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 experiments. Training in experimental skills made farmers less dependent on external measures and advisers, and enabled them to become ‘experts’ who utilize science.

Penyuluh pertanian sebagai pendamping petani dalam mengembangkan ilmu pengetahuan, perilaku serta keterampilan petani dalam mengelola usahatani. Penyuluh pertanian dituntut memiliki kompetensi yang mumpuni. Penelitian ini bertujuan menghasilkan analisis persepsi petani terhadap kompetensi penyuluh pertanian lapang dan pengaruh karakteristik petani dan penyuluh terhadap persepsi petani tentang kompetensi penyuluh. Metode penelitian ini melalui pendekatan survei dan dilakukan di Desa Saga dan Desa Tallang Bulawang Kecamatan Bajo pada bulan Agustus sampai November 2022. Populasi penelitian merupakan petani padi yang berjumlah 75 orang dan melalui teknik sensus. Hasil dari penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa Persepsi petani terhadap kompetensi penyuluh pertanian tergolong tinggi dan berkompetensi dalam melaksanakan kegiatan penyuluhan. Faktor pendidikan formal petani, status kepemilikan tanah dan lama berpengaruh positif terhadap persepsi petani tentang kompetensi penyuluh pertanian.  Berbeda dengan faktor internal penyuluh yang direfleksikan indikator umur, pendidikan formal, pelatihan yang diajarkan dan masa kerja penyuluh tidak berpengaruh signifikan terhadap persepsi petani tentang kompetensi penyuluh. Kata kunci: Penyuluh pertanian; kompetensi penyuluh; persepsi