Nutrient management strategies to enhance soil health and nutrient supply: A way to address nutritional security

Abstract

Population pressure, poor soil management and climate change led to soil degradation in large scale, which in turn badly affected the soil health. In the current scenario, it is important to mitigate GHG emissions along with maximising food production with the existing resources. In this context, nutrient management plays a key role. Continuous dependence of intensified agriculture with the application of high analysis fertilisers resulted in micronutrient depletion in soil. Practices such as reduced soil disturbances, crop rotation, cover cropping, use of organic amendments, balanced use of fertilizers etc. can improve soil health and crop productivity. However, farmers need to utilise their natural resources in integration with fertilizers to meet the nutrient demand of crop, attain profit and to safeguard the environment. Also, Use of soil health cards, neem coated urea, natural and organic amendments can ensure crop productivity and soil health. Healthy soils help in effective delivery of multiple ecosystem services.