In the agricultural sector, farmers regularly use various fertilizers and manures to achieve better crop production. However, due to a lack of proper guidance and accurate information, farmers sometimes end up applying excessive or unbalanced fertilizers to their fields. Such practices not only increase the overall cost of cultivation but also have a detrimental effect on the natural fertility of the land. In light of this, agricultural experts strongly believe that it is essential for farmers to get their farm soil tested regularly.
Soil Testing Reveals Precise Nutrient Levels
Senior scientist Dr. Dharmendra Bhati from the Krishi Vigyan Kendra located in Ajmer stated that every farmer must get their field soil tested routinely. Soil testing provides an accurate picture of the actual amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, potash, sulfur, and other essential micronutrients present in the soil. Without conducting a soil test, farmers often rely merely on guesswork while applying fertilizers, which needlessly increases expenditure on agricultural inputs.
Soil Examination Is As Vital As A Blood Test
Explaining the significance of soil analysis, Dr. Bhati noted that just as a blood test is necessary in the human body to detect illnesses or deficiencies, testing farm soil is equally mandatory to understand the health of the land. Through the test report, known as a soil health card, farmers can easily determine precisely which nutrient and in what quantity their crop requires.
Unbalanced Fertilizer Use Can Ruin Land Quality
According to scientists, alongside general nutrients, it is also crucial to know the pH and EC levels of the soil. If a farmer lacks knowledge of these fundamental biological characteristics and persistently uses unnecessary fertilizers, the overall quality of the soil gets compromised. Prolonged use of unbalanced fertilizers also poses a genuine threat of rendering the soil barren over time.
The Main Objective Of The Khet Bachao Abhiyan
Dr. Bhati explained that the government-backed Khet Bachao Abhiyan aims primarily to raise awareness among farmers so they use balanced amounts of nutrients strictly according to soil requirements. If farmers cultivate based on soil test outcomes, they can successfully cut down on unnecessary farming expenses. At the same time, maintaining soil fertility allows them to achieve up to one and a half to two times higher production and economic gains.
