Role of Agronomy in Cultivating a Sustainable Food Future | Doi : 10.37446/edibook092024/19-28

PAID ACCESS | Published on : 31-Oct-2024

Soil Health and Plant Nutrition for Sustainable Agriculture

  • Boishali Dutta
  • PhD.Scholar, Department of Soil Science, College of Agriculture, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, India.
  • Arunima Goswami
  • PhD. Scholar, Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, India.
  • Binoy Kumar Medhi
  • Professor, Department of Soil Science and Director of Students’ Welfare, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, India.
  • Kanku Deka
  • PhD. Scholar, Department of Soil Science, College of Agriculture, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, India.

Abstract

In sustainable agriculture, maintaining optimal soil health and ensuring sufficient plant nutrition are essential for agricultural productivity and ecological balance. Soil health, which includes physical, chemical, and biological properties, supports plant growth, nutrient cycles, and diverse ecosystems. Plant nutrition involves the absorption of essential elements from the soil, necessary for growth and resilience against environmental challenges. Sustainable practices such as crop rotation, cover cropping, reduced tillage, and organic amendments are crucial for preserving soil structure, enhancing microbial diversity, and improving nutrient cycling. Efficient nutrient management, through balanced fertilization and precision agriculture, ensures that crops receive necessary nutrients without causing environmental harm. Promoting soil biodiversity, reducing erosion and compaction, and adopting water conservation methods further enhance agricultural resilience and fertility. Ultimately, integrating soil and nutrient management strategies is vital for sustaining productivity, preserving environmental quality, and ensuring food security in the face of global challenges like climate change and population growth.

Keywords

soil health, sustainable agriculture, nutrients, biochar, organic amendment, soil structure

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