Soil Health and Sustainability in India E-Book
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- Herausgeber: John Wiley & Sons
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An in-depth resource that explores soil health issues in India
Soil Health and Sustainability in India delivers a comprehensive overview of the problems surrounding soil health in the different regions of India, The book documents both soil degradation and soil health improvements in agricultural systems. It looks at how to mitigate soil health hazards such as waterlogging, acidity, soil salinity, and soil compaction. It also discusses soil health constraints in different ecoregions and suggests potential solutions for enhancing environmental and socio-economic issues regarding soil in the sub-continent.
Past and current soil conservation programs in India are reviewed in detail to better understand how production and policy-related issues affect soil and water conservation. Incentives needed to address the most critical problems are also discussed. Encouraging results associated with watershed-scale soil and water conservation programs together with effective interventions to reduce land degradation and improve productivity are covered. Finally, pervasive physical, chemical, and biological soil health constraints present in different ecoregions are also discussed in detail.
Soil Health and Sustainability in India explores
- Deforestation and removal of natural vegetation through overgrazing and land use change
- Depletion of organic matter in soil, by excessive tillage, heavy machinery used for harvesting, and lack of adequate soil conservation measures
- Salt pollution from the textile, glass, rubber, animal hide processing, metal processing, and pharmaceutical industries
- Soil erosion by water, wind, and cyclonic storms, and different types of soil, including brown and red hill soils, alluvium-derived soils, lateritic soils, and podzolic soils
Soil Health and Sustainability in India is a timely resource on soil health in India. It is aimed at soil scientists, agronomists, industry professionals, and students of soil health, crop science, and agriculture seeking to understand India’s soil conservation problems and find solutions to improve soil health in such a regionally diverse country.
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Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2025
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Table of Contents
Cover
Table of Contents
Contributor Page
Title Page
Copyright Page
Soil Health Insights from India
Preface
1 Agricultural Ecoregions and Soil Health Challenges Within the Indian Sub‐Continent
Chapter Overview
Introduction
Soil Health Challenges in India
Threats to Conservation of Soil Resources
Conclusions
References
2 Soil Health in the Indian Himalayan Region
Chapter Overview
Introduction
Status of Soil Resources and State of Degradation in the Indian Himalayan Region
Erosion Control Practices
Watershed Management Issues in the Himalayan Region
Strategies to Improve Soil Health and Soil Conservation
Agroforestry for Resource Conservation
References
3 Arid Eco‐Region and Dryland Soil Health
Chapter Overview
Introduction
Challenges in Arid Regions
Strategies for Soil Health Management
Conclusion
References
4 Regional Soil Health Assessments: CentralSemi‐arid Region of India
Chapter Overview
Introduction
Central Semi‐arid Region of India and its Geographical Landscapes
Soil Health Problems and Quality in the Central Semi‐arid Region
Soil Quality Monitoring Systems in Central India
Improvement of Soil Health in Central Semi‐arid Regions of India
Conclusions
References
5 Regional Soil Health Assessments: Eastern Sub‐humid Soil Health in India
Chapter Overview
Introduction
Soil Health Assessment Suitable for Eastern Sub‐humid Region
Impact of Soil Degradation on Soil Health in the Eastern Sub‐humid Region
Principles and Practices of Management of Soil Health for Eastern Sub‐humid Region
Soil Health Policy and its Implementation for the Sub‐humid Region
Conclusion
References
6 Coastal Region Soil Health
Chapter Overview
Introduction
Major Issues and Degradation in the Coastal Zone of India
Coastal Soils Resources
Water Resources in Coastal India
Assessment of Soil Quality for Coastal Soil Resources
Rehabilitation of Coastal Arable Land
Researchable Issues
References
7 Soil Health and Its Quality in Southern Peninsular India
Chapter Overview
Introduction
Our Perspective on Soil Health and Quality
Southern Peninsular India and Its Geographical Settings
Soil Health and Quality in the Humid Tropics
Soil Health and Quality in the Semi‐arid Tropics
Factors Affecting Soil Quality
Conclusion
References
8 Soil Health in Indian Vertisols
Chapter Overview
Introduction
Status of Land Degradation in Vertisols of India
Soil Carbon Dynamics in Vertisols of Central India
Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium Status of Indian Vertisols
Physical Attributes of Indian Vertisols
Constraints of Vertisols to Crop Production
Biological Health and Soil Microbial Biodiversity in Indian Vertisols
Soil Quality Concept and Soil Health Assessment in Vertisols
Management Interventions and Strategies for Improvement of Soil Health
Conclusions
References
9 Strategies for Restoring Soil Health in Indian Himalayan Region
Chapter Overview
Introduction
Land Degradation in the IHR
Soil Health and Ecosystem Productivity and Functioning in the IHR
Options for Soil Health Restoration Under Cultivation Systems
Factors Affecting the Soil Biodiversity in Agro‐Ecosystems
Site‐Specific Nutrient Management (GIS‐Based)
Soil Erosion Management in Hill Ecosystems
Conclusion
References
10 Strategies for Restoring and Enhancing Soil Health in India: Management Practices to Restore Soil Health in Arid, Semi‐Arid, and Plateau Regions
Chapter Overview
Introduction
Characteristics of an Arid Ecosystem and Its Soil Constraints
Potential Management Strategies for Restoration
Barriers to Adoption
References
11 Enhancing Soil Health by Mitigating Salinity in India
Chapter Overview
Introduction
Extent of Salt‐Affected Soils in India
Types of Salt‐Affected Soils
Soil Quality Constraints of Salt‐Affected Soils
Soil Organic Carbon and Soil Quality in Salt‐Affected Soils
Improving Soil Quality of Salt‐Affected Soils
Conclusions and the Way Forward
References
12 Mitigating Soil Acidity and Waterlogging Impacts on Soil Health in India
Chapter Overview
Introduction
Processes of Acid Soil Formation
Soil Acidity and Soil Health
Approaches for Managing Acid Soils
Ecosystem Services of Acid Soil
Waterlogging and Soil Health
Mitigation of Waterlogged Soils
Waterlogging and Soil Acidity
Conclusions and Way Forward
References
13 Conservation Agriculture Strategies for Enhancing Soil Health
Chapter Overview
Introduction
Indicators of Soil Health
Impact of CA on Soil Attributes
Soil Quality Index Affected by CA
Conclusion
References
14 Managing Crop Residue for Soil Health Improvement in India
Chapter Overview
Introduction
Residue Management Options for Improving Soil Health
Role of Using Crop Residues in Improving Soil Health
Challenges in Managing Crop Residues
Conclusions
References
15 Recommendations for Long‐Term Soil Health Enhancement in India
Chapter Overview
Balanced and Integrated Nutrient Management
Improvement of Nutrient Use Efficiency
Nano‐Fertilizers and Novel Fertilizer Products
Recycling of Residues and Farm Waste Through Composting
Biochar as a Soil Amendment for Soil Health Improvement
Cover Cropping and Mulching
Crop Rotation/Diversification with Inclusion of Legumes in Crop Cycle
Conservation Agriculture
Agro‐Forestry Intervention for Improving Soil Health of Marginal Land
Rainwater Harvesting and Recycling
Controlling Runoff and Soil Loss for Soil Health Management
Management of Soil Salinity and Sodicity to Improve Soil Health
Acid Soil and Iron and Aluminum Oxide Toxicity Management
Alleviation of Micro‐nutrient Deficiency to Improve Soil Health
Soil Health Management for Coastal Regions of India
Soil Health Management for Eastern India
Soil Health Management for Dryland and Arid Regions of India
Summary and Conclusion
End User License Agreement
List of Tables
Chapter 1
Table 1.1 Agro‐ecological Regions of India with their Dominant Soil Charact...
Table 1.2 Soil Health Indicators Affecting the Soil Processes.
Table 1.3 Distribution of Salt‐Affected Soils in India.
Table 1.4 Impact of Industrial Activities on Soil Groundwater Quality.
Chapter 2
Table 2.1 Characteristics of Northern Hilly Regions.
Table 2.2 Percentage of Land Degradation Area in Various States of Indian H...
Table 2.3 Area Under Different Potential Erosion Rates, Tolerance Limits, a...
Table 2.4 Area Under Different Potential Erosion Rates, Tolerance Limits, a...
Table 2.5 Impact of Integrated Watershed Management Practices on Runoff and...
Table 2.6 Economic Evaluation of Watershed Management Programs in Western H...
Table 2.7 Intangible Benefits From ORP, Fakot Watershed Management Program ...
Table 2.8 Physical and Financial Status of Treated Area in Different States...
Table 2.9 Mean Productivity, Rainwater, Soil Conservation, and Fertility Im...
Table 2.10 Mean Productivity; Rainwater, Soil Conservation, and Nutrient Con...
Table 2.11 Appropriate cropping under high, medium and low productivity con...
Table 2.12 Measures of Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Through Agro...
Chapter 3
Table 3.1 Macro and Micronutrient Percentage Deficiencies in Some States of...
Table 3.2 Nutrient Deficiencies in Dryland Soils in Various States of India...
Table 3.3 Response of Rainy and Post–Rainy Season Crops to Fertilizer Appli...
Table 3.4 Average Yield of Crops Under Improved Versus Common Practices.
a
Table 3.5 Influence of Balanced Fertilizer Application on Maize Green Fodde...
Table 3.6 Influence of SSNM on Various Crops Under Rainfed Condition.
a
Table 3.7 Effective Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) Practices for Rain...
Table 3.8 Effect of Different Nutrient Management on Yield and Rainwater Us...
Table 3.9 Key Soil Quality Indicators and Best Management Practices in Diff...
Table 3.10 Effect of Application of Different Biochars on Rainfed Pigeon Pe...
Table 3.11 Percent Difference in Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) with Biochar.
Table 3.12 Percent Difference in Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) with Cover Crops...
Table 3.13 Quantifying the Correlation Between Cover Cropping and Enhanced ...
Table 3.14 Effect of Graded Levels of Residues and Minimum Tillage on Carbo...
Table 3.15 Spraying Concentrations of Different Micronutrients.
Table 3.16 Percent Yield Increased by the Application of Nano‐fertilizer in...
Table 3.17 Fertilizer Control Order (FCO) Approved 100% Water‐Soluble Ferti...
Table 3.18 Package of Organic Nutrient Management Practices of Various Crop...
Chapter 4
Table 4.1 Summary of advantages and disadvantages of different soil and cro...
Chapter 5
Table 5.1 State‐wise extent of various kinds of land degradation in eastern...
Table 5.2 Different Soil Health Schemes in the Sub‐humid Region of India.
Table 5.3 Status of the Soil Health Card (SHC) Scheme in Eastern India.
Table 5.4 Different mobile apps related to soil health improvement.
Chapter 6
Table 6.1 Characteristics of Soils and AESRs of Coastal Area of India by St...
Table 6.2 Physical and Chemical Properties of Soils of East Coast of India
a
Table 6.3 Physico‐chemical Characteristics of Typical Coastal Saline Soils ...
Table 6.4 Physico‐chemical Characteristics of Typical Soil Profile (Typic H...
Table 6.5 Effect of Land‐Shaping Systems on Soil Properties
a
.
Chapter 7
Table 7.1 Five Essential Functions of Soil and Their Importance.
Table 7.2 Characteristics of Soil Health and Quality in Tropical Regions
a
....
Table 7.3 Minimum Data Sets Identified for Assessing Soil Quality in Andhra...
Chapter 9
Table 9.1 Brief Status of Reported Soil Loss Across the IHR.
Table 9.2 Soil Attributes Under Few Prominent Land Uses of the Indian Himal...
Table 9.3 Soil Resiliency Classes.
Table 9.4 Different Types of Erosion and Their Control Measures.
Table 9.5 Type of Tillage Practices and the Percentage of Runoff Reduction....
Table 9.6 Present and Possible Future Cropping Systems.
Table 9.7 Some of the Common Agroforestry Systems in the NEH Region.
Table 9.8 Consumption of Fertilizers and Pesticides in the NEH Region.
Chapter 10
Table 10.1 Extent of Soil Degradation in Arid Soils of Different Continents...
Table 10.2 Total Nitrogen (N), Available Phosphorus (P), Available Potassiu...
Chapter 11
Table 11.1 Worldwide Salt‐Affected Soils
a
.
Table 11.2 Occurrence of Salt‐Affected Soils in India by State
a
.
Table 11.3 Soil Salinity Classes Based on Electrical Conductivity of the Sa...
Chapter 12
Table 12.1 Acid tolerant (pH < 5.5) crop varieties.
Chapter 13
Table 13.1 Minimum Data Set of Physical, Chemical, and Biological Propertie...
Table 13.2 Effect of Tillage and Residue Management on Soil Bulk Density Un...
Table 13.3 Effect of Crop Residue Retention and Nutrient Management on Aggr...
Table 13.4 Effect of Tillage and Residue Management on Aggregate‐Associated...
Table 13.5 Changes in Surface Soil (0–5 cm) Fertility (mg kg
−1
) Cause...
Table 13.6 Impact of Conservation Agriculture on SOC and Other Nutrient Ava...
Table 13.7 Impacts of Conservation Agriculture (CA) on Productivity, Soil O...
Table 13.8 Effect of Crop Residues Retention (CRR) on Soil Biological Prope...
Table 13.9 Soil Quality Index Under Different Long‐Term Conservation Agricu...
Table 13.10 Principal Component (PC) Analysis of 14 Soil Quality Indicators...
Chapter 14
Table 14.1 Important Physical and Chemical Properties of Some Crop Residues...
Table 14.2 Nutrient Contents in Composts Prepared From Crop Residues.
Table 14.3 Estimated Biochar Production and Carbon Sequestration Potential ...
Table 14.4 Some Properties of Biochar Prepared From Crop Residues
a
.
List of Illustrations
Chapter 1
Figure 1.1 Mineralizable carbon (μg of CO
2
‐C released per gram of soil per d...
Figure 1.2 Average annual gross erosion rate in different states of India.
Chapter 2
Figure 2.1 Distribution of Indian Himalayan Region.
Figure 2.2 Percentage of areas under different categories of land degradatio...
Figure 2.3 Percentage of areas under different categories categories of land...
Figure 2.4 Priority classes for soil erosion control in western Himalayan re...
Figure 2.5 Priority classes for soil erosion control in eastern Himalayan re...
Chapter 4
Figure 4.1 Number of districts in different Indian states with more than 50%...
Figure 4.2 Effects of waterlogging on soil properties.
Figure 4.3 Thematic map for soil quality index (Andhra Pradesh).
Figure 4.4 A soil health card issued to a farmer by the government of India....
Figure 4.5 Management strategies that lead to soil health maintenance and im...
Chapter 6
Figure 6.1 Typical soil profile from West Bengal coast. (a) Soil profile fro...
Figure 6.2 Profile picture of Kari soil (Kuttanad Kari soil, Acid saline soi...
Chapter 7
Figure 7.1 Major soil suborders of southern peninsular India.
Figure 7.2 Soil fertility status map of Kerala.
Figure 7.3 Conversion of forests to coffee: consequences for soil pH, phosph...
Figure 7.4 Soil quality monitoring sites (SQMS) established in rubber‐growin...
Figure 7.5 Major soils identified in rubber‐growing areas of southern India....
Figure 7.6 Conversion of forests to rubber plantations: consequences for soi...
Figure 7.7 Multinutrient deficiency in soils of semi‐arid tropics of souther...
Figure 7.8 Factor analysis representing the relationships between soil nutri...
Chapter 9
Figure 9.1 Delineated state boundaries of Indian Himalayan region (IHR).
Figure 9.2 Extended of land degradation area (%) in Indian Himalayas (a) Wes...
Figure 9.3 Nutrient element lost through soil erosion in Sikkim Himalaya (Mi...
Figure 9.4 Soil health and ecosystem services in IHR.
Figure 9.5 Factors affecting soil microbial activities in IHR.
Figure 9.6 Flow diagram of Integrated Farming System (IFS).
Chapter 10
Figure 10.1 Results of phosphorus‐solubilizing microbes for improving phosph...
Figure 10.2 The main approaches for ameliorating saline soils in arid region...
Chapter 11
Figure 11.1 The improvemet in soil organic carbon storage on adoption of che...
Figure 11.2 Improvement in soil quality index (SQI; SQIRS and SQIIW: after s...
Figure 11.3 Ameliorative effect of 20‐year‐old tree plantations on soil orga...
Chapter 12
Figure 12.1 Soil acidity based on pH range.
Figure 12.2 Spatial distribution of acid soils of India.
Figure 12.3 Formation of acid soil by pedogenic processes.
Figure 12.4 Non‐pedogenic factors for development of soil acidity.
Figure 12.5 Soil physical, chemical, and biological indicators frequently us...
Figure 12.6 Relationship between soil pH and nutrient availability in acid s...
Figure 12.7 Different approaches to mitigate soil acidity.
Figure 12.8 Effect of liming material on relative increase of pH, total acid...
Figure 12.9 Effect of cow dung biochar pyrolyzed at 300 °C (CB300), 450 °C (...
Figure 12.10 Effect of waterlogging on soil health.
Figure 12.11 Soil‐related problems of acid sulfate soils.
Guide
Cover Page
Table of Contents
Contributor Page
Title Page
Copyright Page
Soil Health Insights from India
Preface
Begin Reading
WILEY END USER LICENSE AGREEMENT
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SERIES EDITORDouglas L. Karlen
EDITORRanjan Bhattacharyya
CONTRIBUTORSCHAPTER 1Shrila DasICAR‐ Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa, New Delhi, 110012Dibyendu MukhopadhyayUttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Pundibari, Cooch Bihar, West Bengal, 736165Ranjan BhattacharyyaICAR‐ Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa, New Delhi, 110012
CHAPTER 2D. MandalICAR‐ Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa, New Delhi, 110012P. JhaICAR‐ Indian Institute of Soil Science, Nabibagh, Berasia Road, Bhopal, 462038, IndiaRaman Jeet SinghICAR‐Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation. Dehradun, India 248195M. MadhuICAR‐Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation. Dehradun, India 248195S. BarmanICAR‐ Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa, New Delhi, 110012Ranjan BhattacharyyaICAR‐ Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa, New Delhi, 110012Rajesh KaushalICAR‐Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation. Dehradun, India 248195
CHAPTER 3Sumanta KunduICAR‐ Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad, 500 059, IndiaCh. SrinivasaraoICAR‐ Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa Campus, New Delhi, 110012, IndiaV.K. SinghICAR‐ Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad, 500 059, IndiaJ. NaveenICAR‐ Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad, 500 059, India
CHAPTER 4Avijit GhoshICAR‐ Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi, IndiaSukanya MisraRLBCAU, Jhansi, IndiaRanjan BhattacharyyaICAR‐ Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa, New Delhi, 110012
CHAPTER 5Dibyendu ChatterjeeICAR National Rice Research Institute, CuttackRajendiran SelladuraiCentral Horticulture Exp Station, ICAR llHRMohammad ShahidICAR National Rice Research Institute, CuttackDibyendu SarkarBidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya Nadia, W.B.Saikat Ranjan DasICAR National Rice Research Institute
CHAPTER 6Uttam Kumar MandalICAR‐ Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Regional Research Station, Canning Town, West Bengal, 743329, IndiaV. RameshICAR‐ Central Tuber Crops Research Institute, Thiruvananthapuram, IndiaSudipa MalSchool of Agriculture, Sanskriti University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, 281401, IndiaT. D. LamaICAR‐ Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Regional Research Station, Canning Town, West Bengal, 743329, IndiaS. K. SarangiICAR‐Central Institute for Women in Agriculture, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 751003, IndiaSourav MullickThe Neotia University, West Bengal, 743368, IndiaAmit GhoshICAR‐ Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Regional Research Station, Canning Town, West Bengal, 743329, IndiaDibyendu Bikas NayakICAR‐ Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Regional Research Station, Canning Town, West Bengal, 743329, IndiaDhiman BurmanICAR‐ Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Regional Research Station, Canning Town, West Bengal, 743329, India
CHAPTER 7K. S. Anil KumarICAR‐ National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning, Hebbal, Bangalore, 560024M. LalithaICAR‐ National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning, Hebbal, Bangalore, 560024K. M. NairICAR‐ National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning, Hebbal, Bangalore, 560024Rajendra HegdeICAR‐ National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning, Hebbal, Bangalore, 560024B. S. DwivediICAR‐ National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning, Amravati Road, Nagpur
CHAPTER 8Pramod JhaICAR‐ Indian Institute of Soil Science, Nabi Bagh, Berasia Road, Bhopal, MP, India, 462038K. M. HatiICAR‐ Indian Institute of Soil Science, Nabi Bagh, Berasia Road, Bhopal, MP, India, 462038N. K. LenkaICAR‐ Indian Institute of Soil Science, Nabi Bagh, Berasia Road, Bhopal, MP, India, 462038B. L. LakariaICAR‐ Indian Institute of Soil Science, Nabi Bagh, Berasia Road, Bhopal, MP, India, 462038M. V. CoumarICAR‐ Indian Institute of Soil Science, Nabi Bagh, Berasia Road, Bhopal, MP, India, 462038B. P. MeenaICAR‐ Indian Institute of Soil Science, Nabi Bagh, Berasia Road, Bhopal, MP, India, 462038J. K. ThakurICAR‐ Indian Institute of Soil Science, Nabi Bagh, Berasia Road, Bhopal, MP, India, 462038A. K. BiswasICAR‐ Indian Institute of Soil Science, Nabi Bagh, Berasia Road, Bhopal, MP, India, 462038A.K. PatraICAR‐ Indian Institute of Soil Science, Nabi Bagh, Berasia Road, Bhopal, MP, India, 462038
CHAPTER 9Anup DasICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna, 800014, Bihar, IndiaChristi B. K. SangmaICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Umroi road, Meghalaya, 793 103Mahasweta ChakrabortyICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Umroi road, Meghalaya, 793103, IndiaSaurav SahaICAR Research Complex for Northeastern Hill Region, Sikkim center, Tadong, 737102, Sikkim, IndiaAmit KumarCAR Research Complex for Northeastern Hill Region, Sikkim center, Tadong, 737102, Sikkim, IndiaBappa DasICAR‐ Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute, Old Goa, 403402, Goa, IndiaJaynata LayekICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Umroi road, Meghalaya, 793 103Subhash BabuICAR Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa, New Delhi, IndiaPrashant PandeyICAR Research Complex for Northeastern Hill Region, Sikkim center, Tadong, 737102, Sikkim, India
CHAPTER 10Avijit GhoshICAR‐ Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi, IndiaPramod JhaICAR‐ Indian Institute of Soil Science, Nabibagh, Berasia Road, Bhopal, 462038, IndiaSukanya MisraRLBCAU, Jhansi, IndiaRanjan BhattacharyyaICAR‐ Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa, New Delhi, 110012
CHAPTER 11Ashim DattaICAR‐Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Kamal, Haryana, IndiaNirmalendu BasakICAR‐Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Kamal, Haryana, IndiaBholanath SahaDr. Kalam Agricultural College, Bihar Agricultural University, Kishanganj, Bihar, IndiaPiu BasakDeportment of Agricultural Chemistry & Soil Science, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mahanpur, West Bengal, IndiaArvind Kumar RaiICAR‐Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Kamal, Haryana, IndiaRajender Kumar YadavICAR‐Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Kamal, Haryana, India
CHAPTER 12Ruma DasICAR‐ National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning, RC, Kolkata, West Bengal‐ 700091, IndiaSamrat GhoshClimate and Sustainability, Emergent Ventures India Pvt. Ltd., Gurgaon, Haryana, 122011, IndiaKhushboo RaniICAR‐ Indian Institute of Soil Science, Nabibagh, Bhopal, 462038, IndiaAmit PhonglosaDirectorate of Extension Education, Odisha University of Agriculture & Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 751003, IndiaB. N. GhoshICAR‐ National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning, RC, Kolkata, West Bengal‐ 700091, India
CHAPTER 13Amit K. DashICAR‐Indian Institute of Seed Science, Mau, 275103, IndiaICAR‐Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110012, IndiaAbir DeyICAR‐Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110012, IndiaRanjan BhattacharyyaICAR‐Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110012, IndiaT.K. DasICAR‐Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110012, IndiaArti BhatiaICAR‐Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110012, IndiaShrila DasICAR‐Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110012, India
CHAPTER 14Dibyendu SarkarBidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, 741252, West BengalSiddhartha MukherjeeRamakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute, Ranchi, 834008, JharkhandG. PratibhaICAR‐ Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad, 500059, TelanganaSumanta KunduICAR‐ Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad, 500059, Telangana
CHAPTER 15Kuntal M. HatiICAR‐ National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning, Regional Centre Kolkata, Salt Lake, Kolkata, 700091, IndiaRanjan BhattacharyyaICAR‐ Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa, New Delhi, 110012, IndiaPramod JhaICAR‐ Indian Institute of Soil Science, Nabibagh, Berasia Road, Bhopal, 462038, IndiaJ. SomasundaramICAR‐ Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Research Centre, Fernhill, Udhagamandalam, Tamil Nadu, 643004, IndiaB. N. GhoshICAR‐ National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning, Regional Centre Kolkata, Salt Lake, Kolkata, 700091, IndiaAvijit GhoshICAR‐ Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi, 284003, IndiaDouglas L. KarlenDL Karlen Consulting LLC, St. Paul, MN, 55102
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Soil Health Series: Volume 4 Soil Health and Sustainability in India
Edited by Ranjan Bhattacharyya
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Soil Health Insights from India
Douglas L. Karlen, Soil Health Series Editor
Soil Health and Sustainable Agriculture in India is the fourth volume in the Soil Health Series being published by the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) and Wiley. Volumes one and two provide the background and general methods for assessing soil biological, chemical, and physical properties and processes. Building upon that soil health foundation, a series of volumes are being added to show how the concept is being applied to protect and improve soil resources around the globe. Volume four is edited by Dr. Ranjan Bhattacharyya, an excellent scientist from the Division of Environment Science, ICAR‐Indian Agricultural Research Institute. The size and regional agroecological diversity of India make this volume an important contribution to the Series.
The subcontinent of India has heterogeneous landforms and a variety of climatic conditions that create subtle but very important differences in critical soil health indicators and management practices needed to sustain the soil resources. Lofty mountains, river deltas, high altitude forests, and peninsular plateaus have a variety of geological formations, endowed with temperature regimes ranging from arctic cold to equatorial heat, and rainfall extremes from aridity (<10 cm) to sites receiving the world's maximum average annual rainfall (1120 cm).
Soil health and sustainable agricultural practices in this wide variety of agroecological regions are discussed by highly respected authors in fifteen chapters. Beginning with a broad overview of India’s agricultural ecoregions and soil health challenges, specific soil health properties, processes, and indicators are discussed for Himalayan, Arid, Semi‐Arid, Sub‐Humid, Coastal, and Southern Peninsular Ecoregions. Indian Vertisols are also examined in depth. Soil management strategies to maintain or improve soil health are then examined for those ecoregions, saline, acidic, and waterlogged soils. Finally, conservation agriculture strategies for enhancing soil health and mitigating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and crop residue management strategies for dryland and irrigated areas are explored. A series of recommendations for long‐term soil health enhancement throughout the subcontinent are presented in Chapter 15. The editor, authors, and I hope you find this volume useful in helping guide sustainable agricultural management practices that enhance productivity while protecting the fragile soil, water, and air resources within India or wherever you may be located in the world.
Preface
Land degradation in India is a pervasive problem and a major soil health challenge. Despite years of study and substantial investment in remediation and prevention, soil erosion continues to be a major environmental problem. Changing climate and weather patterns are further exacerbating the situation. India's soil degradation affects approximately 120 million hectares of land. Issues include water erosion, soil acidification, flooding or waterlogged soils, wind erosion, salinity, and other combined factors. This is extremely serious, as India supports 18% of the world’s population. Major causes of soil degradation are both natural and human induced. Natural causes mainly include droughts, floods, and tornadoes. Soil degradation caused by human activities arises due to deforestation, suboptimal agricultural practices, inadequate forest management, surface mining, urban expansion, and accelerated development. Poor farming practices involve excessive tillage, unbalanced use of inorganic fertilizers, improper irrigation techniques, insufficient organic inputs, and poor crop cycle planning.
Managing agricultural land to achieve soil health can help optimize agricultural inputs to soil (including fertilizer, water, energy, etc.) thereby reducing costs while maintaining or improving yields. Improving soil health improves adaptation to the effects of climate change, and will also contribute to carbon neutrality objectives.
This book examines the challenges and opportunities related to restoring and enhancing soil health in degraded farmland in India. It includes information on various soil restoration practices such as tree‐based ecological restoration, conservation agriculture, integrated nutrient management, soil management in dryland agriculture, grassland management, and organic farming systems. The book discusses the importance of new fertilizer formulations for better input efficiency, as well as quick soil assessment and monitoring. You will find recommendations for sustainable soil management to support India's growing population. These include ensuring food safety, protecting biodiversity, adapting to climate change, managing waste, addressing soil pollution, and comprehensive soil management.
Ranjan Bhattacharyya
