Increasing population levels on a near stabilized agricultural land places a heavy burden on the soil source--particularly its nutrient supplying power. Chemical fertilizers have come to increase the output of agricultural product and to meet ever increasing demand of human population. The problem is further compounded in several areas due to excessive use of chemical fertilizers which resulted into considerable deterioration in the quality of indigenous soil.
Intensive agriculture with the use of chemical fertilizers in large amount has, no doubt, result, resulted in manifold increase in the productivity of farm commodities but the adverse effect of these chemicals are clearly visible on soil structure, microflora, quality of water, food and fodder. Organic farming has emerged as the only answer to bring sustainability to agriculture and environment.
Organic farming is a farming integration of biological, cultural and natural inputs including integrated diseases and pest management practices. Integrated plant nutrition can be best if it is practised on scientific facts, local conditions and microeconomics. We hope this publication will create a balanced, objective and science based appreciation for meeting the nutrient needs of agriculture. This book has been written for agricultural planners, soil scientists, biologists, microbiologists, students, teachers, fertilizer industry, personnel research and development units, organisation engaged in biofertilizer production, training centres, all those interested in the efficient use and recycling of wastes, resource management and sustainable farming. |
