Introduction
Balanced fertilisation supplies nutrients according to crop requirements and soil conditions. In India, excessive nitrogen application alongside inadequate replenishment of other nutrients undermines soil health and agricultural productivity.
Effects of imbalanced fertiliser use
- Nutrient depletion: Repeated nitrogen-heavy application leaves phosphorus, potassium and micronutrient deficiencies unaddressed, restricting crop growth.
- Soil degradation: Excessive use of certain nitrogenous fertilisers can acidify soils, affecting nutrient availability and biological activity.
- Declining efficiency: Additional fertiliser produces smaller yield gains when another essential nutrient limits growth, raising cultivation costs.
- Lower resilience: Potassium deficiency weakens drought tolerance and disease resistance, increasing production risks.
- Environmental damage: Unused nutrients pollute water through leaching and runoff, while nitrogen losses contribute to greenhouse-gas emissions.
Role of soil testing
- Identifies nutrient availability, organic carbon, acidity and salinity, revealing the soil’s specific constraints.
- Enables crop-specific recommendations for fertilisers, organic amendments and deficient micronutrients.
- Soil Health Cards translate results into guidance on nutrient quantities, reducing unnecessary expenditure.
- Periodic testing tracks changes and supports timely corrections.
Conclusion
Reliable testing must accompany affordable inputs and effective extension. Together, they sustain yields while conserving soil resources.
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Balanced Nutrient Management: Soil Testing and Productivity