Holistic Strategy for Assessment of Soil Health

Soil Health is the important factor in farming. The crop growth is also depend on the types of nutrients available in the soil. Recently the ICAR experts met and discussed the Holistic Strategy for Assessment of Soil Health.

Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra , Secretary (DARE) & Director General (ICAR), in his inaugural address emphasized on importance of soil testing and management of soil health to meet the challenges of food security. As the factor productivity and rate of response of crops to applied fertilizers under intensive cropping systems are declining year-after-year, inclusion of soil physical and biological parameters becomes imperative to maintain self-sufficiency in food grains production and agriculture growth on sustainable basis, he added.

Dr Asok Dalwai CEO (NRAA) highlighted the importance of quick and simple techniques for assessment of soil physical and biological parameters, and sensor-based technology for repeated measurements over a period of time. 

Earlier, Dr. K. Alagusundaram, Deputy Director General (Natural Resource Management), in his welcome address briefed about the background of organizing the brainstorming session.

Dr S K Chaudhari, ADG (SWM), highlighted the importance of soil health card, NRM Division (ICAR) involvement in developing Soil Test Kit and its importance in preparing soil health card.

The meeting was attended by Smt A Neeraja, Joint Secretary (INM), Dr Claudia Sadoff, Director General, International Water Management Institute (IWMI), Dr A K Sikka, IWMI- India  Representative, Scientists from CG Centers, ICAR Institutes.