- Source: Editorial based on Business Standard
- Focus: Adverse impact of skewed fertilizer policy in India.
Key Issues
- Nutrient Imbalance:
- Current NPK ratio: 7.7:3.1:1 (ideal: 4:2:1).
- Over-reliance on nitrogen fertilizers leads to declining soil productivity.
Role of Soil in Agriculture
- Food Security:
- Soil supports crop yields for 1.4 billion people.
- 95% of global food production relies on soil.
- Nutrient Cycling:
- Healthy soils provide essential nutrients and support microbial life.
- Water Retention:
- Soil retains water, reducing irrigation needs, especially in drought-prone areas.
- Climate Mitigation:
- Soil acts as a carbon sink, with potential to absorb 3-8 gigatons of CO₂ annually.
- Biodiversity:
- Healthy soil ecosystems reduce reliance on pesticides.
Factors Contributing to Soil Health Crisis
- Unsustainable Practices:
- Excessive chemical fertilizers and monocropping degrade soil.
- Declining Organic Carbon:
- SOC has decreased from 1% to 0.3% in 70 years.
- Soil Erosion:
- 30% of land facing degradation; 97.85 million hectares affected.
- Salinization:
- Poor irrigation practices lead to soil salinity and loss of productivity.
- Pollution:
- Industrial waste contaminates soils, affecting health and productivity.
- Lack of Awareness:
- Farmers lack access to soil quality data; policies are inadequately implemented.
Measures for Restoration and Conservation
- Integrated Nutrient Management (INM):
- Shift to balanced fertilization combining organic and synthetic inputs.
- Agroforestry:
- Integrate trees with crops to enhance soil health and income.
- Zero-Tillage Practices:
- Reduce soil erosion and enhance moisture retention.
- Controlled Irrigation:
- Promote drip and sprinkler systems to prevent salinization.
- Strengthening Soil Biodiversity:
- Enhance microbial diversity through organic farming practices.
Way Forward
- Urgent reforms are needed to address the soil health crisis:
- Shift from chemical-intensive farming to sustainable practices.
- Policy reforms and increased farmer awareness are essential for restoring soil fertility and ensuring food security.