Soil nutrient management options

a) Increase organic matter incorporation: The measures for increased OM can be improved quality of FYM, increased fodder production, stall feeding of animals, use of green manures/biomass, and efficient recycling of organic residues.

b) Improve the quality of FYM: There is ample room to increase its nutrient content primarily nitrogen through quality fodder production, proper collection or conservation of urine, and proper decomposition and application methods.

c) Reduce soil erosion: Cause nutrient loss in soil. Reducing this erosion through different means such as

reducing bare lands, mulching, cover crops, proper terracing, etc. helps substantially.

d) Legume integration: integrating legumes into the farming system contributes significantly to nutrients

supply through symbiotically fixed nitrogen.

e) Growing more manure-demanding crops in the rotation: if crops like vegetables and potatoes are grown at least once a year in a land, it helps to build organic matter balance and is believed to improve the physical and chemical properties of soil.

f) Selection of less nutrient-demanding crops: there are certain crops/varieties, which demand relatively, lower nutrients. The selection of such crops helps in nutrient management.

g) Balance soil reaction: Timely correction of soil pH through organic manure application and amendment helps nutrient availability.

h) Avoid excessive use of chemical fertilizers: Improper timing and excess application of chemical fertilizers also cause waste of resources as well as crcreateoil problems. So, only need-based application is strictly recommended in the IPNS.

i) Minimize pespesticidee: Unnecessary use of pesticides should be restricted for better soil productivity