Various chemical fertilizers employed in Indian farming sectors and their specifics.
In the vast and diverse landscape of Indian agriculture, the reliance on chemical fertilizers has been a cornerstone for boosting crop yields and ensuring food security. However, this long-term usage has led to severe soil degradation, nutrient imbalances, reduced microbial biodiversity, increased soil fatigue, and water resource depletion [1][3][5].
Over 62 million metric tonnes of chemical fertilizers, including urea and Diammonium Phosphate (DAP), were consumed in 2022-23, accelerating micronutrient deficiencies and soil microbial biodiversity loss, which weakens crops' resilience to pests and climate extremes [1][4]. Soil structure deterioration and erosion increase, exacerbating moisture retention problems and groundwater depletion, particularly in regions like Punjab and Haryana where water extraction exceeds natural replenishment [1][3].
Excessive and unbalanced fertilizer use contributes to water contamination and greenhouse gas emissions, further impacting environmental health [5]. The resulting cycle forces farmers into greater chemical input dependence, increasing their input costs and risking decreased yields and food insecurity for a growing population [3].
To counter these challenges, sustainable alternatives are being actively explored and adopted in India. Organic fertilizers and bio-fertilizers improve soil health by restoring microbial activity, nutrient cycling, and structure, leading to regenerated soil fertility and better crop resilience [1][2][4][5]. Regenerative agriculture practices, promoted by grassroots farmer movements, enhance biodiversity, improve water retention, and increase food production by up to 58% [1].
Nano urea and innovative fertilizer formulations aim to provide balanced nutrient delivery with lower environmental impact [5]. Policy and infrastructure focus are also crucial, with efforts towards reforming supply chains, training farmers, and incentivizing organic inputs seeking to shift away from chemical dependency while supporting youth and women participation to build resilient agricultural systems [2][5].
Transitioning to organic and regenerative farming methods supplemented by modern innovations holds promise for restoring soil health, maintaining food security, reducing emissions, and sustaining farmers’ livelihoods in Indian agriculture over the long term [1][2][4][5].
Notably, various fertilizers cater to specific nutrient requirements. Muriate of Potash (MOP), with a potassium content of 60-62%, is the most commonly used potassium fertilizer in India, used on a wide range of crops. Urea, with a 46% nitrogen content, is the most widely used complex nitrogen manure. Ammonium sulfate, with 21% nitrogen and 24% sulfur, is used for crops that require both sulfur and nitrogen, and also helps lower soil pH. Single Super Phosphate (SSP) is a commonly used phosphorus manure, containing 16-20% phosphorus.
Moreover, Ferrous sulfate is used to compensate for iron deficiencies in crops, as iron is needed for photosynthesis and chlorophyll enhancement, and its deficiency can cause chlorosis (yellowing of the leaves). Zinc sulfate treats crops that require zinc, such as rice, wheat, and maize, as it plays a crucial role in the development, protein composition, and growth of plants.
The Indian agriculture sector, a significant contributor to the country's economy and food security, also employs NPK fertilizers, with varying amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and NP and PK fertilizers, containing fertilizer mixtures of nitrogen and phosphorus (NP) or phosphorus and potassium (PK), used when only two of the three basic nutrients are required. Triple Super Phosphate (TSP) is a high phosphorus fertilizer (44-48%) used in soils with low phosphorus openness. Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (CAN) is a top-dressing fertilizer with a nitrogen content of 26%, providing a fast-acting form of nitrogen.
In conclusion, the challenges posed by chemical fertilizer dependency in Indian agriculture are significant but not insurmountable. By embracing sustainable alternatives, innovative practices, and policies that promote organic and regenerative farming, India can restore soil health, ensure food security, and secure a sustainable future for its agricultural sector and its farmers.
References: [1] Sustainable Agriculture India (SAI) (2021). The State of Sustainable Agriculture in India. Retrieved from https://sustainableagricultureindia.org/resources/the-state-of-sustainable-agriculture-in-india/
[2] Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) (2020). Integrated Nutrient Management (INM). Retrieved from https://www.icar.org.in/Site/Inm.aspx
[3] Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) (2018). Soil Degradation and Food Security. Retrieved from http://www.fao.org/soils-2015/en/
[4] Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India (2020). Fertilizer Statistics and Planning Wing. Retrieved from https://fspw.gov.in/
[5] TERI (2019). Sustainable Agriculture: Addressing the Challenges. Retrieved from https://www.teriin.org/knowledge-hub/sustainable-agriculture-addressing-the-challenges/
The exploration and adoption of organic fertilizers and bio-fertilizers, coupled with regenerative agriculture practices, can lead to improved soil health, increasing crop resilience to pests and climate extremes, and reducing nutrient deficiencies. To combat the harmful effects of chemical fertilizers on health-and-wellness, climate-change, and environmental-science, sustainable alternatives must be supported, as they can reduce environmental health impacts and promote soil regeneration.
