Site-Specific Nutrient Management

Abstract

Site Specific Nutrient Management (SSNM) is an approach of supplying plants with nutrients to optimally match their inherent spatial and temporal needs for supplemental nutrients by using different tools of SSNM such as remote sensing, GPS, GIS systems, VRT, yield monitoring. In horticultural crops, under-fertilization may result in a yield loss and over-fertilization can be harmful to the environment. With the invention of SSNM, it has become possible to manage soil nutrient variations throughout a field with prescription fertilizer applications. Stress management is another area where SSNM can help Indian farmers. Most cultivated soils in India are acidic, whereas spatial variation in pH is high. Detecting nutrient stresses using remote sensing and combining data in a GIS can help in site-specific applications of fertilizers and soil amendments. This in turn would increase fertilizer use efficiency and reduce nutrient losses. SSNM in India is in its infancy but there are numerous opportunities for adoption. The technology has the potential especially in the high value crops. Effective coordination among the public and private sectors and growers is, therefore, essential for implementing new strategies to achieve fruitful success.