The report finds severe nutrient deficiencies in Indian soils based on the Soil Health Card Scheme data.
Key Findings
- Soil nutrient deficiencies:
- Nitrogen: 64% of samples tested 'low' for Nitrogen (N).
- Organic Carbon (SOC) Deficit: 48.5% of samples tested 'low' for SOC, a crucial indicator for soil structure and microbial abundance.
- Over 43% of districts at 'very high' climate risk also showed low SOC levels.
- Micronutrient Shortages: 55.4% of samples tested 'low' for Boron, and 35% for Zinc.
- High Urea Consumption: Fertilizer consumption is heavily skewed towards urea, which is about 68 per cent of total fertilizer consumption in 2023-24.
Implications of soil nutrient deficiencies
- Threat to crop productivity, food security, farmer’s income and sustainable agriculture.
- Reduced capacity for carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation.
Recommendations
- Expand Current Soil Monitoring under SHC to include physical (texture, compaction) and biological (microbial activity) indicators.
- Reform fertiliser subsidy policy to incentivise balanced and efficient use.
- Use biochar to improve fertility, moisture retention, and carbon storage.
Soil Health Card (SHC) Scheme, 2015
Soil Health Card scheme has been merged in Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) Cafeteria scheme as one of its components under ‘Soil Health & Fertility’ from the year 2022-23. |
