Soil fertility depletion refers to the inability of soil to regain its lost essential nutrients. It directly reduces the productivity of the soil, which further results in less crop yield. The major causes of soil fertility depletion are soil erosion, over-irrigation, and excessive use of fertilizers. Soil fertility depletion is indeed a significant challenge for farmers, but there are several strategies and solutions available to address this issue. One of them is the use of biofertilizers. Biofertilizers like Rhizobium help in a direct increase in soil fertility by providing essential nutrients to the soil. Rhizobium bacteria increase the ammonia level in the soil by using atmospheric nitrogen. Apart from biofertilizers, there are some other solutions for soil fertility depletion. They are
Avoid Over-Irrigation: Over-Irrigation results in the loss of the top fertile layer of the soil with the flow of water.
Controlled use of fertilizers: Overuse of synthetic fertilizers, especially those high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK), can disrupt the natural balance of nutrients in the soil. This imbalance can hinder the availability of other essential nutrients that plants need for healthy growth.
Adopting the crop rotation technique. Crop rotation helps maintain nutrient balance in the soil and keeps it fertile.
Soil Testing and Precision Agriculture: Regular soil testing helps farmers understand nutrient deficiencies and pH imbalances, enabling them to apply fertilizers more efficiently.