Soil Fertility Mapping in India

March 13, 2025

The Soil and Land Use Survey of India (SLUSI) is pioneering a transformative project aimed at enhancing soil health through digital soil fertility mapping. This initiative utilises geo-spatial techniques and data from Soil Health Cards (SHC) to provide farmers with essential information for optimising agricultural practices. The project has successfully generated soil fertility maps for 351 villages across Maharashtra, marking step towards sustainable farming.

Soil Health Cards

Soil Health Cards are crucial tools developed under the Soil Health and Fertility Scheme by the Government of India.
They provide farmers with detailed information about the nutrient status of their soil.
The cards indicate nutrient levels as low, medium, or high and offer recommendations for appropriate fertiliser application. This guidance helps farmers enhance soil health and improve crop yields.

Geospatial Techniques in Mapping

SLUSI employs advanced geospatial techniques, including remote sensing and artificial intelligence, to create detailed soil fertility maps. Soil samples are analysed for various parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon, and essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Each sample is geo-coded using GPS and assigned a unique QR code, ensuring precise tracking and analysis.

Benefits of Soil Fertility Mapping

Soil fertility maps provide farmers with location-specific data about nutrient availability. This enables targeted fertiliser application, reducing the risk of overuse or underuse. Consequently, farmers can maximise their economic returns while minimising input costs. By promoting balanced fertiliser use, the initiative supports sustainable agricultural practices.

Accessibility and Challenges

Farmers can access their Soil Health Cards easily through a dedicated online portal. However, challenges persist, particularly in remote and hilly areas where logistical and technical barriers hinder effective mapping. To address these issues, Village Level Soil Testing labs and mini labs have been established, ensuring that all farmers can benefit from the initiative.

Addressing Soil Degradation

The mapping initiative has successfully identified areas of soil degradation and nutrient deficiencies. By providing tailored recommendations, the Soil Health Cards empower farmers to counteract these issues. This targeted approach not only enhances agricultural productivity but also promotes sustainable farming practices.

Future Prospects for Indian Agriculture

The soil fertility mapping initiative is a vital resource for Indian farmers. By identifying nutrient deficiencies or surpluses, farmers can apply fertilisers judiciously, thereby preventing environmental degradation. The scheme is accessible to all states and Union Territories, reflecting the government’s commitment to enhancing agricultural sustainability and productivity.

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