Integrated soil fertility management

Abstract

Soil is an organic thin layer of earth's crust, a living media. Soil is the basis entity for farming, without which farming can't be practiced. The human greed has led to the exploitation of the soil to a great extend in the recent times. Soil fertility depletion and soil quality decline have been threatening the ecological and economic sustainability of crop production. This is the major concern for the sustainability of Indian agriculture. This has made the soil exposed to excess chemicals in the form of fertilizers, insecticides, pesticides etc. Integrated Soil Fertility Management involves the use of both chemicals and organic matter. Agronomic practices are also to be followed by taking care of plant densities and weeding, so that nutrients can be used efficiently. World has been observing World Soil Day on December 5 to maintain the optimum level of soil health. In this lieu, United Nations General Assembly declared 2015 as International Year of Soils, creating awareness amongst the stakeholders and to promote sustainable use of soil.