Soil quality and productivity improvement: Indian story

Restoration and improvement of soil quality is the prerequisite for ensuring agricultural productivity and food security in India. Although intensification enhanced food production, it led to a decline in factor productivity, health of environment, and an impairment in soil quality. The declined soil quality is manifested through impaired ecosystem services and also loss in yield and profitability. Soil organic C (SOC) is considered as the panacea for maintaining the soil quality through improved microbial activities, water availability and nutrient use efficiency. The present review emphasizes the need for maintenance of SOC content in Indian soils challenged with high oxidative loss out of high temperature, good moisture and cultivation led soil perturbations. Importance of balanced fertilization through soil test, integrated nutrient management, and adoption of innovative farming practices such as conservation agriculture for enhancement of SOC storage and consequent improvement in soil quality even under intensive cultivation in various agro-climatic regions of the country is emphasized.