Soil Health Management is a critical component of the Agricultural Inputs and Technology unit, focusing on the sustainable management of soil fertility to ensure long-term food security. In the Indian economy, SHM addresses the degradation caused by the “Green Revolution” era’s over-reliance on chemical fertilizers and the resulting distorted NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium) ratio. It is currently managed under the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA).
National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) and SHM
The SHM scheme aims at promoting Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) through the judicious use of chemical fertilizers, including secondary and micronutrients, in conjunction with organic manures and bio-fertilizers.
- Key Objective: Strengthening of Soil Testing Laboratories (STLs) and creating a database for fertilizer recommendations.
- Capacity Building: Providing training to farmers and extension officers on balanced fertilizer use.
- Standardization: Developing a uniform sampling and analysis methodology across all Indian states.
Soil Health Card (SHC) Scheme
Launched in February 2015 at Suratgarh, Rajasthan, the SHC scheme is the flagship program for soil nutrient monitoring in India.
- Cycle of Testing: Soil is tested once every two years (reduced from the initial three-year cycle) to enable farmers to track changes in soil health.
- The 12 Parameters: The SHC provides recommendations based on 12 critical soil parameters:
- Macro-nutrients: Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K).
- Secondary-nutrient: Sulphur (S).
- Micro-nutrients: Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), Boron (B).
- Physical Parameters: pH (Acidity/Alkalinity), EC (Electrical Conductivity), OC (Organic Carbon).
- Target: Covering all 140 million landholdings in the country.
Distorted NPK Ratio and Soil Degradation
A primary driver for SHM is correcting the imbalance in fertilizer consumption. The ideal NPK ratio for Indian soil is generally considered 4:2:1.
- Current Disparity: In many intensive farming states like Punjab and Haryana, the ratio has historically skewed as high as 31:8:1.
- Impact of Urea Subsidy: The heavy subsidy on Urea (Nitrogen) compared to P & K fertilizers (under the Nutrient Based Subsidy regime) leads to over-application, causing soil acidification and groundwater nitrate pollution.
Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) and Bio-fertilizers
INM is the technical backbone of SHM, advocating for a “cocktail” approach to soil nutrition rather than relying solely on synthetics.
- Components of INM: Chemical fertilizers, Organic manure (FYM, Compost), Green manure (Dhaincha, Sunn hemp), and Bio-fertilizers.
- Bio-fertilizers in India:
- Rhizobium: Specifically for legume crops (Nitrogen fixation).
- Azotobacter/Azospirillum: For non-legume crops like wheat and maize.
- Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB): Converts insoluble phosphorus into forms plants can absorb.
- Blue Green Algae (BGA) & Azolla: Primarily used in lowland paddy cultivation.
Key Government Initiatives for Soil Health
| Scheme/Initiative | Core Objective |
| Neem Coated Urea (NCU) | Mandatory 100% coating to slow down nitrogen release, prevent diversion to industry, and act as a mild insecticide. |
| Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) | Introduced in 2010 for P & K fertilizers to encourage balanced fertilization (Urea remains outside NBS). |
| Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) | Promotes organic farming through a cluster-based approach (Participatory Guarantee System – PGS). |
| Model Villages Program | Under SHC, one village per block is selected for intensive soil sampling and “Soil Health Exhibits.” |
| Mission Organic Value Chain Development (MOVCDNER) | Specific focus on soil health and organic exports in the North-Eastern Region. |
Major Challenges in Soil Health Management
- Low Organic Carbon: Most Indian soils have Organic Carbon (OC) levels below 0.5%, whereas the healthy threshold is above 0.75%.
- Micronutrient Deficiency: Widespread deficiency of Zinc (approx. 40% of Indian soils) and Boron, leading to “hidden hunger” in crops.
- Laboratory Infrastructure: While the number of STLs has increased, there is a shortage of technical manpower for precise chemical analysis at the block level.
- Farmer Awareness: Many farmers still view soil testing as a bureaucratic exercise rather than a scientific tool for cost reduction.
Trivia and Facts for UPSC Prelims
- International Year of Soils: Declared by the UN in 2015, coinciding with the launch of India’s SHC scheme.
- World Soil Day: Observed annually on December 5th.
- First Organic State: Sikkim became the first state in the world to become 100% organic in 2016.
- Soil Health Card Portal: A centralized IT platform where farmers can track their soil samples and print cards using their Aadhaar or KCC numbers.
- VAM (Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhiza): A fungus used as a bio-fertilizer that enhances phosphorus uptake and drought resistance in plants.