Comparison of fertilizer use efficiency vs. Environmental impact of applied fertilizers under irrigated and dryland/rainfed situations.

Abstract

In order to address the issue of food security in India with very high density of population, is destined to stay dependent on fertilizer use to increase food production. However, the negative impacts of fertilizer on the environment pose a threat to the sustainability of the agriculture system. So, it is now imperative to ensure balanced and efficient use of organic and inorganic fertilizers through improved soil management practices and policy making so that the primary nutrients, secondary nutrients, and various micronutrients are available in the soil in correct amounts for proper nutrient intake by crop plants and that there is minimal negative effects on the environment. In order to minimize the negative impacts of fertilizer use in South Asia, farmers needs to be imparted with knowledge and education on appropriate fertilizer products, dosage, and time and method of application and also support services in the form of field demonstrations and better soil testing facilities. Moreover, policy reforms are needed not only to eliminate the bias of subsidy policy toward nitrogenous fertilizers but also to divert some subsidy toward the use of organic fertilizers, efficient forms of fertilizers, and higher application of secondary and micronutrients.