Foreword by Dr. H.S.Sen, President, Society of Fertilizer and Environment, Vol 2(2)

Need to focus on soil biological properties in future studies to ensure improved soil health and sustainability in production 

In simplest terms, soil quality is “the capacity (of soil) to function”. This definition, based on function, reflects the living and dynamic nature of soil. The soil resource must be recognized as a dynamic living system that emerges through a unique balance and interaction of its biological, chemical, and physical components. Of the three components dynamics of chemical properties have been studied most, while the other two and their interactions were probably least studied and therefore deserve more attention for an understanding of impact of fertilizer use on soil quality or soil environment.

It is accepted that in India green revolution in sixties and the research agenda during subsequent periods resulted in high rate of mining of soil nutrients by HYV, which might have even nearly robbed off the soil nutrient reserves to meet its supply to plants if the same was not replaced from outside. The soil organic resource, on the other hand, in conjunction with soil porosity and other physical properties is responsible to mediate and trigger major nutrient transformations and their availabilities to plants. It is not uncommon to observe under intensive application of inorganic fertilizer and plant protection chemicals downslide or at most marginal increase in productivity of lands with time, not commensurate with our expectations in spite of high technological       inputs, in different soils. It is the non-return

       

   

Text Box: Soil health components (https://www.ndsu.edu/soilhealth/?page_id=37)

   or    diminished return of organic matter to soil, loss of soil organic matter by ploughing, etc. that lead to reduction in SOM and unsustainability in production. The best option for longer term biodiversity conservation and improving soil health is to use integrated farming systems (IFS) involving management practices like: 

·        Organic recycling e.g., composting of residues, other biodegradable material

·        Green manuring

·        Agro-forestry practices involving nitrogen fixing shrub

·        Conservation agricultural practice

·        Organo-mineral fertilizers including fortified composts

·        Biofertilizers e.g., rhizobia, mycorrhiza, PGPR, BGA, Azolla   etc., and  Bio-control agents

The missing link in research, I am particularly concerned, is complete lack of focus on soil biological properties and specifically the microbial biodiversity in our studies on soil health. Following may be the agenda: (i) relationship between genetic and functional biodiversity, (ii) modelling of data as a way to predict soil health, and (iii) statistical considerations and modelling as means of optimizing an up-to-date monitoring programme by identifying relevant indicators.

Hope this opens up interesting discussion on the theme area identified as “Influence of fertilizer application on soil biology” for this issue.