India's Soil Health Crisis: A Call for Sustainable Practices

A study by the Centre for Science and Environment reveals India's soils are critically low in nutrients like nitrogen and organic carbon, highlighting the failure of current fertiliser usage to boost soil health. Recommendations include expanding soil health monitoring, better fertiliser management, and promoting biochar use.

India is facing a significant soil health crisis, with alarming deficiencies in essential nutrients such as nitrogen and organic carbon. This revelation comes from a study conducted by the Delhi-based Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), using data from the nation's Soil Health Card initiative.

The study indicates that 64% of soil samples tested were low in nitrogen, and 48.5% lacked organic carbon—critical elements for soil fertility and climate resilience. Despite the extensive use of fertilisers, the soil shows no signs of improvement.

Experts stress the need for comprehensive soil health monitoring that includes physical and biological parameters, improved fertiliser strategies, and sustainable farming practices like biochar use. This approach aims to restore India's deteriorating soil quality and enhance climate change mitigation efforts.

(With inputs from agencies.)