Perspective Chapter: Conservation and Enhancement of Soil Health for Sustainable Agriculture

Abstract

Despite increasing crop yields, the indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers in conventional agriculture damages soil health, reduces crop productivity, and negatively impacts agricultural sustainability. Therefore, restoring soil health and the environment is imperative. Higher crop productivity can be achieved with natural fertilizers such as biofertilizers, vermicompost, green manures, farmyard manures, and crop residues, which are a sustainable approach to nourishing the soil and the environment. This chapter addresses the importance of healthy soils, how they can be influenced by agricultural inputs and practices, and strategies for enhancing soil health.