Integrated Nutrient Management for Sustainable Production of Rice-Wheat Cropping System in Sodic Soils

Abstract

To keep the pace of sustainable crop production without depleting the natural resource base seems to be a big challenge under the current scenario. Nutrient cycling in the soil-plant ecosystem is an essential component for sustaining the agricultural enterprises productions. Integrated nutrient management i.e. combined use of organic and inorganic fertilizer sources, is quite helpful in sustaining the system productivity and soil quality. The INM concept is now being broadened to make it more context-specific for the local environmental conditions, farm mechanization, conservation agriculture, shift towards organic agriculture, and the updated soil maps. An innovative approach like INM can harness natural resources appropriately, bring about food security, and improve the livelihood. The provision of appropriate policies, for e.g. providing incentives to adopt INM, and easy and quality availability of organic inputs will motivate the farmers to adopt INM practically.