Integrated Nutrient Management for Enhancing Soil Fertility and Crop Yield
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59436/jsiane.v5i1.27.2583-2093Keywords:
Integrated nutrient management, soil fertility, crop yield, sustainable agriculture, biofertilizers, nutrient use efficiencyAbstract
Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) has emerged as a sustainable approach to maintaining soil fertility and enhancing crop productivity under modern agricultural systems. The indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers over the past decades has led to soil degradation, nutrient imbalance, and environmental pollution. In this context, INM integrates organic, inorganic, and biological sources of nutrients to optimize nutrient use efficiency and sustain agricultural productivity. The present study evaluates the role of INM in improving soil health and crop yield through a synthesis of recent literature and data analysis. The study reveals that INM significantly enhances soil physical, chemical, and biological properties, including organic carbon content, microbial activity, and nutrient availability. Crop yield improvements ranging from 10–30% have been observed under INM practices compared to conventional fertilization methods. The integration of biofertilizers and organic manures reduces dependency on chemical fertilizers while improving sustainability. Furthermore, INM contributes to environmental protection by reducing nutrient losses, greenhouse gas emissions, and soil degradation. However, adoption challenges such as lack of awareness, limited availability of organic inputs, and economic constraints hinder widespread implementation. The findings highlight that INM is a key strategy for achieving sustainable agriculture, improving soil fertility, and ensuring long-term food security. Future research should focus on site-specific nutrient management, integration of digital technologies, and policy support to promote adoption.
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