Soil
Kartavya Desk Staff
Syllabus: Agriculture
Source: IE
Context: The 10th World Soil Day, themed “Caring for Soils – Measure, Monitor, and Manage,” highlighted soil health’s critical role in food production.
Present Status of Soil in India:
Aspect | Details
Topsoil Importance | 95% of food production relies on topsoil, which takes 1,000 years to regenerate naturally.
Nitrogen Deficiency | Less than 5% of Indian soils have high nitrogen levels.
Phosphate Sufficiency | Only 40% of Indian soils have sufficient phosphate.
Potash Sufficiency | Only 32% of Indian soils have sufficient potash levels.
Organic Carbon Sufficiency | Just 20% of Indian soils are sufficient in organic carbon.
Fertilizer Subsidy | Urea accounts for two-thirds of the ₹1.88 lakh crore subsidy; globally cheapest at ~$70/tonne.
Imbalanced Fertilizer Use | Punjab uses 61% more nitrogen and 89% less potash than recommended.
Factors Impacting Soil:
• Water Erosion: Heavy rainfall and poor land management practices result in topsoil loss in over 94 million hectares.
• Wind Erosion: Affects 9 million hectares in arid regions like Rajasthan and Gujarat.
• Salinity: Improper irrigation practices lead to salinization, impacting coastal and irrigated zones.
• Chemical Overuse: Excessive use of urea and other fertilizers causes nutrient imbalance and soil acidification.
• Deforestation: Removal of vegetation increases vulnerability to erosion and loss of soil cover.
Regional Differences in Soil Deterioration
• Arid Regions: Rajasthan faces severe wind erosion and desertification.
• Flood-Prone Areas: States like Bihar and Assam suffer from erosion due to recurrent floods.
• Coastal Zones: Odisha and Tamil Nadu experience salinity ingress affecting fertility.
• Hilly Areas: Uttarakhand faces landslides and soil erosion due to deforestation.
• Semi-Arid Zones: Telangana and Maharashtra deal with overgrazing and drought-induced soil degradation.
Effects of Soil Degradation:
• Land Degradation: Loss of fertile land due to erosion and contamination reduces agricultural productivity.
• Desertification: Poor practices exacerbate aridity, leading to drought and biodiversity loss.
• Loss of Arable Land: About 40% of agricultural land worldwide is no longer productive.
• Increased Flooding: Degraded soil has reduced water absorption, increasing runoff and flooding risks.
• Waterway Pollution: Fertilizer runoff pollutes rivers, harming aquatic ecosystems and water availability.
Challenges in the Fertilizer Sector:
• Imbalanced Use: Overuse of nitrogen and underuse of phosphate and potash due to subsidy distortions.
• Low Nutrient Use Efficiency: Only 35-40% of applied fertilizers benefit crops; the rest pollutes the environment.
• Subsidy Dependence: Heavy reliance on subsidies hinders innovation and efficiency.
• Leakage and Misuse: Urea is diverted for non-agricultural uses and smuggling to neighboring countries.
• Environmental Impact: Excess nitrogen emissions contribute to global warming and soil degradation.
Government Initiatives to Control Soil Degradation:
• Soil Health Card Scheme: Provides farmers with nutrient information for balanced fertilizer use.
• Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY): Promotes efficient irrigation practices to reduce soil erosion.
• National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA): Encourages organic farming and soil conservation.
• Watershed Management Programs: Focus on restoring degraded lands and improving water resources.
• Afforestation Drives: Promotes reforestation to restore soil cover and prevent erosion.
Reforms Needed:
• Subsidy Deregulation: Replace price controls with direct income transfers to farmers via digital coupons.
• Promote Balanced Fertilizer Use: Incentivize the appropriate use of N, P, and K through education and policy.
• Encourage Micronutrient Use: Focus on micronutrient availability for improved crop productivity.
• Triangulated Data Use: Integrate soil health cards, fertilizer sales, and farmer data for targeted policy interventions.
• Innovation and Efficiency: Encourage private investment and research in fertilizers by deregulating the industry.
Conclusion:
Protecting India’s soils is vital for sustainable agriculture, food security, and environmental health. Coordinated efforts and policy reforms are essential to restore soil vitality and enhance productivity.
Insta Links:
Which of the following statements regarding laterite soils of India are correct? (UPSC-2013)
• They are generally red in colour. They are rich in nitrogen and potash. They are well-developed in Rajasthan and UP. Tapioca and cashew nuts grow well on these soils.
• They are generally red in colour.
• They are rich in nitrogen and potash.
• They are well-developed in Rajasthan and UP.
• Tapioca and cashew nuts grow well on these soils.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
a. 1, 2 and 3
b. 2, 3 and 4
c. 1 and 4
d. 2 and 3 only
Answer: c)