Soil health ensures sustainable farming and environmental conservation: Expert

MANGALURU: Soil health plays a vital role in ensuring sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation, said Dr Rajesh D.P., Deputy Project Director (ATMA), Office of the Joint Director of Agriculture, Udupi.

He was speaking at an awareness programme on soil testing held at PM Shri Govt High School, Chittur.Dr Rajesh stressed that soil, one of nature’s most precious resources, provides essential nutrients, water, air, and warmth for plant growth. Continuous cultivation on the same land reduces nutrient availability, he noted, and said that preserving soil fertility is as important as achieving higher yields. “Fertile soil supplies 16 essential nutrients in appropriate quantities at different stages of crop growth.

Soil testing is crucial to assess soil quality, correct imbalances, and ensure future soil health and profitability in farming,” he said.He explained that soil testing enables farmers to identify nutrient deficiencies in their fields and apply fertilisers scientifically. Excess or improper use of fertilisers results in wastage of inputs and higher expenses, he said. Soil testing helps determine soil pH levels, salinity, and the required quantities of lime or gypsum.

It also assesses the availability of major and micronutrients including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulphur, zinc, boron, iron, copper, manganese, and molybdenum.He also outlined the correct procedure for collecting soil samples. Samples should be taken after harvesting the previous crop, before sowing the next, and at least once every 2 to 3 years. He advised farmers to collect representative samples from 8 to 10 spots per acre at a depth of 6 to 9 inches for annual crops and 12 to 16 inches for perennial crops.

Soil must be dried in shade to prevent nutrient loss and then sent to certified soil testing laboratories along with the required information.Dr Rajesh said that scientific soil analysis helps maintain soil fertility and ensures quality yields through balanced nutrient management.Headmistress Nagarathna, Agriculture Sanjeevini Technician Prakruthi, teachers Chaitra, Maitreyi, Supreetha, Praveen, Ashika, Meena, staff, and students of the school were present.