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IPNM mainly emphasizes the integrated use of all the essential nutrients from different sources like chemical fertilizers, organic manures, green manures, bio-fertilizers, legume crops, locally available plant resources in a balanced proportion for sustainable soil health and productivity.
I Use of inorganic fertilizers:
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They are very important for sustaining and increasing food production. Different kinds of fertilizers are commercially available in the market for all the major and micronutrients. However, they are costly inputs and their excessive use may deteriorate the soil quality and food quality. Hence, there is a need to improve their use efficiency through efficient and balanced fertilizer management and essentially follow the four R’s formula for judicious and effective nutrient/fertilizer management. They are
Ø Right Type of fertilizers.
Ø Right Dose of fertilizers.
Ø Right Method of application.
Ø Right Time of application.
II. Use of organic manures/ materials:
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Due to intensive cultivation of soil and less organic manure application, the soils are low in organic matter status. A decrease in soil organic matter results in compact soil, poor aeration and low infiltration and water holding capacity and also low fertility status. The organic matter status in soils can be improved and maintained by constant addition of organic manures such as FYM. compost, green manures, poultry manures, vermicompost, oilcakes etc., Organic matter is good source of macro and micro nutrients, and more over improves physical, chemical and biological properties soil.
III. Use of biological sources/biofertilizers:
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Biofertilizers are cultures of micro organisms (bacteria, fungi, algae). Their use benefits the soil and plants growth by providing N & P and also brings about the rapid mineralization of organic materials in soils. They are capable fixing N, solubilizing and mobilizing the phosphorus and mineralizing organic matter in soil. Their incorporation improves the physical and biological properties of soils.
IV. Maintaining the physical properties of soil:
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Physical properties such as soil aggregation, soil texture, structure, aeration, water holding capacity (WHC), infiltration rate, etc., should be maintained regularly through better cultivation practices and organic manure applications to maintain soil fertility & nutrient availability.
V. Management of problematic soils:
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Problematic soils such as acid soils, saline and alkaline soils, water logged soils are known to decrease the productivity of the soil. Acid soil having the problems like toxicities of Iron, Mn, Al, deficiency of P & Mo. Similarly, saline and alkali soils showing the deficiency of Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu and also toxicities of Mo. These soils should be regularly managed and reclaimed through the application of soil amendments such as lime for acid soil, gypsum for alkali soils and other organic and inorganic materials based on soil test results. It helps to improve soil fertility and productivity and sustain the yield.
VI. Better/Judicious water management practices:
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Plants absorb the nutrients from the soil only in a dissolved state and sufficient moisture is therefore required for utilizing the nutrients of the soil. Management of moisture in the soil by improved and modern irrigation techniques like drip or sprinkler or basin where the rainfall is low and draining the soil where it is subjected to stagnation of water helps to increase water and nutrient availability to the crops.
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Participants