There is a steady downfall in production capacity of the agricultural field. Not only this but the overall quality of outputs such as pulses, crops, vegetables, etc. is also degrading. Several phenomenons influence the soil degradation to occur including soil erosion, degradation of soil due to lack of nutrients and adding artificial nutrients. To bridge the massive necessity of the nation, it becomes crucial for farmers to come up with ideas that can reap more output while also keeping the quality of soil intact. Organic Farming is one such solution to grow quality agri-outputs.
Different nutrients affect different characteristics of the agri-products. By testing the quality of soil in the laboratory, farmers can check which nutrients are in abundance and which nutrients are lacking in the soil. And to maintain the quality of soil, farmers can add the nutrients which are lacking in the soil. Here are the major nutrients found in the soil which are helpful for the plants to reap quality agri-outputs:
Nitrogen:
Nitrogen plays a vital role in the overall development of plants. Out of all the nutrients that a plant requires, Nitrogen is required in major proportion to avoid the deficiency in plant production and health. Nitrogen is responsible for the green colour of plants, and also a major part of chlorophyll is filled with it. Even though Nitrogen is found in the atmosphere in abundance - about 78%, plants cannot use it until it is processed by microbes present in the soil. When Nitrogen is added artificially in the soil, it is converted into mineral form to help plants take it up.
Phosphorus:
Phosphorus is essential to all forms of life on this planet. It is an essential nutrient necessary for growth and development not only of plants but also of animals. After Nitrogen, phosphorus is the second most limiting nutrient. It can reduce plant growth and development and potentially limit crop yield. All manures contain phosphorus; manure from grain-fed animals is a particularly rich source. Refined phosphorus management can yield more agricultural outputs while reducing negative impacts on the environment. However, an increased proportion of phosphorus in the soil can be harmful as it can enter into water bodies and degrade the water quality in the longer run. Hence, a proper management system must be formed to utilize it while also not affecting the environment.
Potassium:
Unlike other nutrients which aid the plant's overall development and growth, Potassium helps to resist disease and works as a protective shield to defend it from various harmful insects and bacterias. If Potassium is deficient or not supplied in adequate amounts, it stunts plant growth and reduces yield. Potassium helps in the growth of roots and to improve drought resistance, reduces water loss, aids in the process of photosynthesis, produces an output which is rich in starch, helps in reducing retard crop diseases and increases plant's protein content.
Calcium:
Calcium is essential for plant's root health, growth of new roots and root hairs, and the development of leaves. It is also linked to the pH of your soil – soils with a higher pH level usually contain more available calcium. Signs of deficiency of calcium include stunted or weak growth, curling of young leaves or shoots, scorching or spotting on young leaves, inhibited bud growth, stunted or dead root tips, cupping of mature leaves, burnt leaf tips, and fruit damage can all be signs of calcium deficiency. One of the best artificial sources of adding calcium to the soil is lime.
Magnesium:
Magnesium is a key component of chlorophyll, the green colouring material of plants and is vital for the process of photosynthesis - the conversion of the sun's energy to food for the plant. Magnesium deficiency might be a significant limiting factor in crop production. Deficiency symptoms consist of interveinal chlorosis - leaf veins stay green while the regions between them turn yellow. Interveinal chlorosis can lead to the death of tissue of the affected areas. It may also lead to the defoliation of the lower leaves. Magnesium deficiency does not affect the overall output, but severe deficiency can stress the plants leading to reduced yield.
Sulphur:
Sulfur is a constituent of amino acids in plant proteins and is involved in processes of energy production in plants. It is responsible for many flavours and odour compounds in plants such as the aroma of onions, cabbage and bitter gourd. Since the last few years, deficiency related to sulphur has become more frequent and eventually, the importance of it in the agri-production has increased. Oil crops, legumes, forages and some vegetable crops require a considerable amount of sulphur to help plants grow and develop entirely. In many crops, its amount in the plant is similar to phosphorus.
These are the major nutrients which, if used and taken by plants in the required quantity, can aid 360-degree growth of agricultural production and help to yield maximum output from the available resources. Hence, it becomes crucial for farmers to test soil and add the required quantities of lacking nutrients.
