Combating desertification through integrated use of nutrient resources in arid regions of Rajasthan

Abstract

Analysing the data of soil test drive in >14000 villages Western Rajasthan, all the villages were found low in organic matter content. About 47 and 43% villages were found low and medium in phosphorus and 2 and 40 % in potash, respectively. Amongst the micronutrients, zinc and iron deficiencies were reported in 72.27 and 61.7 % villages. Crops respond favourably to fertilizer application but the magnitude depends on moisture availability. For pearlmillet 40 kg N/ha in two splits and 20 kg P2O5/ha and for legumes 20 kg N and 40 kg P2O5/ha application is found optimum. Legumes responded significantly from 15-60 kg S/ha. Risk due to aberrant monsoon limits the use of fertilizers in arid region. Response to low cost microbial inoculants is good hence INM is the key improve fertilizer use and minimizing risk in crop production i arid region.